Are high potassium levels dangerous?

Having blood potassium higher than 7.0 millimoles per liter can be very dangerous and requires emergency medical treatment, according to Mayo Clinic. High blood potassium can result from life-threatening conditions, such as severe stomach or intestinal bleeding or diseases that cause red blood cells to burst, states MedlinePlus.

While there are usually no symptoms of high blood potassium, when symptoms are present, they usually include nausea, a weak or slow pulse and collapse due to a weakened pulse, states MedlinePlus. Emergency treatment for high blood potassium can include intravenous calcium or glucose, kidney dialysis in the case of poor kidney function, and medicines that stop the intestines from absorbing too much potassium.