Symptoms and Arrhythmias
Patients with hyperkalaemia frequently appear well. In severe cases they can have these non-specific symptoms:
- Lethargy, confusion, weakness
- Palpitations
- Flaccid paralysis
- Paraesthesia
The whole spectrum of arrhythmias can occur, including ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation.
Hyperkalaemic cardiac arrest is almost always fatal unless potassium levels are reduced during resuscitation.