Ever been on corticosteroids before? Due to the activation of the sympathetic system (“fight or flight”), your body responds with an increase in blood pressure, blood sugar, mood changes, and blood volume. With short term use, side effects are minor but can vary depending on their dose and how long they are taken.
Hyperkalemia is defined as a serum or plasma potassium level above the upper limits of normal, usually greater than 5.0 mEq/L to 5.5 mEq/L. While mild hyperkalemia is usually asymptomatic, high levels of potassium may cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, or paralysis.
True hyperkalemia may be caused by increased potassium intake, transcellular movement of intracellular potassium into the extracellular space, and decreased renal excretion.