Ask the doctor: Is high potassium a problem?
High potassium or, as doctors call it, hyperkalemia, can occur for several reasons. Problems with the kidneys, such as kidney failure or glomerulonephritis, can elevate potassium in the bloodstream. So can taking medications that cause the kidneys to hold on to potassium. These include potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone (Aldactone, generic) and triamterene (Dyrenium, generic); ACE inhibitors; angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs); and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Two other causes of high potassium include using a salt substitute that contains potassium or taking a potassium supplement.
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