What is a common complication associated with excessive potassium levels?

Excessive potassium levels, known as hyperkalemia, can lead to a variety of complications, with cardiac dysrhythmias being one of the most critical. Potassium plays a vital role in the electrical conduction system of the heart, and an increase in potassium levels disrupts this balance. As the heart relies on a specific range of potassium to maintain a normal rhythm, elevated levels can result in abnormal heart rhythms, which may manifest as changes on an ECG, such as peaked T waves, widening of the QRS complex, and potentially life-threatening arrhythmias, including ventricular fibrillation or asystole.

In comparison, while elevated heart rate, fatigue, and muscle weakness can occur with various conditions, they are not as directly related to the critical and potentially fatal complications seen with increased potassium concentrations. In fact, hyperkalemia may cause bradycardia (a slower heart rate) rather than tachycardia (elevated heart rate). Thus, the link between excessive potassium levels and cardiac dysrhythmias highlights its seriousness as a complication.