Another cause of high potassium is Addison's disease, a rare condition that affects the adrenal glands located just above the kidneys. This disease can be associated with autoimmune diseases or develop as a result of certain medications. With Addison's, the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol, which the body needs to respond to stress. If untreated, a life-threatening complication, Addisonian crisis, can develop. It can be brought on by injury, illness, or infection, when the body cannot produce enough cortisol to cope with added stress. In addition to low blood pressure and hypoglycemia, an Addisonian crisis also causes high potassium in the blood.

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