ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -High levels of potassium in the blood (called hyperkalemia) is unpredictable and can be life-threatening. It can cause serious heart problems and sudden death. There are often no warning signs, meaning a person can have high potassium without knowing it.

Detailed explanation-2: -In hyperkalemia, the resting membrane potential becomes less negative, and hence fewer sodium channels are available. Consequently, there is a decrease in the rate of rise of phase 0 of action potential, known as Vmax, causing slowing of the rate of impulse conduction, as shown by the dashed line.

Detailed explanation-3: -Advanced kidney disease is a common cause of hyperkalemia. A diet high in potassium. Eating too much food that is high in potassium can also cause hyperkalemia, especially in people with advanced kidney disease. Foods such as cantaloupe, honeydew melon, orange juice, and bananas are high in potassium.

Detailed explanation-4: -As the membrane potential becomes less negative, as in the setting of hyperkalemia, the Vmax decreases, leading to a depression of conduction through the myocardium.