28/07/2026
Hyperkalaemia Treatment: Every Minute Counts!
A high potassium level (Hyperkalaemia) can trigger life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias-even before symptoms appear. The treatment sequence is simple to remember:
Protect the heart: IV Calcium Gluconate.
Shift potassium into cells: IV Insulin +
Dextrose, Nebulized Salbutamol, and Sodium Bicarbonate (if metabolic acidosis is present). Remove potassium from the body: Loop diuretics, Potassium binders, or Emergency Hemodialysis in severe or refractory cases.
+ Don't wait for cardiac arrest. Always confirm with an ECG, monitor continuously, identify the underlying cause, and repeat serum potassium levels after treatment. In hyperkalaemia, saving the heart comes first-then lowering the potassium.
