When should an AEMT consider the possibility of hyperkalemia in a patient?

Considering the possibility of hyperkalemia—an elevated level of potassium in the blood—is essential when a patient displays abnormal heart rhythms. This is because hyperkalemia can significantly affect cardiac function, leading to arrhythmias that may be detected on an ECG. Signs of hyperkalemia often manifest as changes in heart rhythm, which can range from mild disturbances to life-threatening conditions such as ventricular fibrillation or asystole.

While renal failure is a common cause of hyperkalemia, relying solely on this history could lead to missing cases in patients without known kidney issues. Symptoms like leg cramps may suggest electrolyte imbalances but are not specific to hyperkalemia. Similarly, a history of hypertension can be relevant in a broader context of cardiovascular health but does not directly indicate hyperkalemia on its own. Therefore, monitoring for abnormal heart rhythms is a critical step in assessing and managing potential hyperkalemia.