The severity is divided into mild (5.5 - 5.9mmol/L), moderate (6.0 - 6.5 mmol/L), and severe (> 6.5mmol/L). High levels can be detected on an electrocardiogram (ECG), though the absence of ECG changes does not rule out hyperkalemia. The measurement properties of ECG changes in predicting hyperkalemia are not known. Pseudohyperkalemia, due to breakdown of cells during or after taking the blood sample, should be ruled out.

Initial