What is a potential effect of hyperkalemia?

Hyperkalemia, which refers to elevated levels of potassium in the blood, can have significant effects on the cardiovascular system. One of the most notable potential effects is bradycardia, a condition characterized by an abnormally slow heart rate. High potassium levels can disrupt the normal electrical activity of the heart. Potassium plays a crucial role in depolarization and repolarization of cardiac myocytes; thus, when its levels are excessively high, it can impair the heart’s ability to conduct electrical impulses properly.

This can lead to a decrease in heart rate and may even result in more severe cardiac complications, such as arrhythmias or cardiac arrest if not addressed. Other options, like increased energy levels, hypertension, and weight loss, do not directly relate to the physiological changes associated with hyperkalemia. Instead, hyperkalemia is more often linked to symptoms that reflect its effect on the heart and muscle function rather than increased vitality or changes in body weight.