Hyperkalemia is defined as a plasma potassium level above 5.5 mEq/L. It can be caused by a shift of potassium from intracellular to extracellular space due to acidosis or tissue damage. Other causes include reduced renal excretion due to medications like ACE inhibitors or renal failure. Symptoms range from none to muscle weakness to cardiac arrhythmias. Treatment involves calcium to antagonize cardiac effects, insulin or beta-agonists to shift potassium intracellularly, and cation exchange resins or dialysis to remove excess potassium.