'deadly' health issue can cause sudden heart attack – you may have no symptoms

One thing most people often worry about is the state of their health. After all, we all want to be fit and well, live as long as possible and be able to get as much out of life as we can.

But, while we know a lot about what we should do to be healthy, there's one condition people know less about. It was recently brought to people's attention on TikTok after a nurse

opened up about its "deadliest complications". The medical professional, known as Nurse Mike, said it's something people really need to learn more about. It's called

hyperkalemia, and this is basically when someone has very high levels of potassium. It can be super dangerous when it comes on suddenly, so there are things you need to know. In a clip, he

said: "Hyperkalemia is just elevated potassium. Normal potassium is 3.5 to 5.0. Commonly caused by renal failure, where the kidneys fail. "Now the most deadly complications and the

most-related signs and symptoms. Number one, is neuromuscular. Increased DTRs, muscle paralysis, muscle weakness or basically just a general feeling of heaviness. "Remember - potassium

pumps the muscles, so low potassium, or even high potassium, causes malfunction in the muscles. Number two is life-threatening arrhythmias on the EKG. "The big ones to know is V fib

(ventricular fibrillation) and cardiac arrest. Remember - potassium pumps the heart, so high potassium, we have high pumps. "Obtain an EKG, and always look for peaked T waves and even

ST elevation. Always look for hypotension and bradycardia." The video has been viewed over 2,000 times since it was shared, and dozens of people commented too. Many said they've

had experiences where their levels of potassium have been high. HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE HIGH POTASSIUM LEVELS? You'll know if your potassium levels are high by having a test. According

to the NHS, there are many reasons why a doctor might recommend you have a potassium test. The most common include to help diagnose or monitor kidney disease, as this is the most common

cause of high potassium levels. You may also be advised to have one if you have heart-related issues like high blood pressure, or if you take medications that can impact potassium levels.

You may also need to have one if you have diabetes, and your GP thinks you may have diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a serious complication caused by a lack of insulin in the body. People who

have low potassium levels may have a heart problem like irregular heartbeat. In contrast, those with high levels of potassium may find their heart muscle activity is reduced. Both

situations are serious and can even pose threat to life in some cases. In rare cases, potassium levels can be low due to poor diet. If you have mild hyperkalemia, there's a chance you

may not have any symptoms, or they could be easy to dismiss. Sometimes they can come and go or develop over weeks or months. These signs include abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea and

vomiting. Dangerously high potassium levels can impact your heart and cause sudden, life-threatening problems. Signs include chest pain, heart palpitations, arrhythmia or muscle weakness or

numbness in your limbs. If you experience any of these problems you should seek urgent medical attention.