What is the medical term for an excess of potassium in the blood?

The medical term for an excess of potassium in the blood is hyperkalemia. This condition occurs when the potassium levels exceed the normal range, which can lead to serious health complications due to the critical role that potassium plays in muscle function, nerve transmission, and overall cellular function.

High levels of potassium can affect the cardiovascular system, potentially leading to arrhythmias or changes in heart rhythm, which can be life-threatening. Understanding this condition is important in veterinary pharmacology, as certain medications and treatments may influence potassium levels or have contraindications in patients with hyperkalemia.

In contrast, the other terms represent different abnormalities related to sodium and potassium levels in the blood, like hypernatremia, which refers to elevated sodium levels; hypokalemia, marked by low potassium levels; and hyponatremia, indicating low sodium levels. Each of these conditions has its distinct causes, implications, and treatments.