Understanding the Link Between High Potassium and Health

4. Internal Bleeding

Hidden internal bleeding—whether from trauma, ulcers, or other underlying conditions—can raise potassium levels in the blood. When red blood cells break down, they release potassium into surrounding tissues and eventually into the bloodstream. This spike in potassium can be an early clue for doctors, especially in emergency settings. Because internal bleeding isn’t always obvious, unexplained hyperkalemia may prompt further testing to identify bleeding within the abdomen, gastrointestinal tract, or elsewhere in the body.