Hyperkalemia is a condition in which the level of potassium in the blood is abnormally high, leading to serious symptoms, such as muscle weakness, nausea, and irregular heartbeat. It can be caused by several different factors, including certain medications or medical conditions. The following discusses some of the most common causes of hyperkalemia.

The first cause of hyperkalemia is overuse of certain medications. Potassium supplements are often used to treat various medical conditions such as kidney disease or high blood pressure. If too much potassium is taken at once or if these supplements are not taken with caution and monitored closely by a healthcare provider they can lead to an elevated level in the bloodstream. Other types of medicines that can contribute to increased levels include ACE inhibitors (used for hypertension), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (antibiotics) and heparin (an anticoagulant).