Potassium Levels in Blood

Potassium is a vital mineral for the body that helps in proper functioning of cells, tissues and organs in the body. It is an electrolyte that helps in conduction of electric impulses within the body. Potassium functions also consist of helping in skeletal and muscular contraction, digestion and proper functioning of the muscles. It is very important to maintain proper potassium levels in blood. The normal potassium levels in blood vary between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/liter. Imbalances in the potassium levels in blood can cause several health problems that can prove to be fatal. There are many causes that lead to high or low potassium levels in blood. The following paragraphs will cover some detailed information that will help you understand signs of imbalances related to potassium levels in blood.

High Potassium Levels in Blood: Hyperkalemia

When there is too much potassium, it leads to high potassium levels in blood, also known as hyperkalemia. More than 6.0 mEq/L of potassium is considered to be high potassium levels. When the kidneys are not able to filter out the excess potassium in blood, it will lead to weakness and irregular heartbeat. One may feel tired and have difficulty in moving their limbs. Continued hyperkalemia can lead to arrhythmia, that needs medical attention. High potassium levels in blood will lead to dehydration and conversion of carbohydrates into glucose. The dangers of high potassium levels in blood include paralysis and even death. If you are wondering what causes high potassium levels in blood, then read on.

Hyperkalemia: Causes
The most common cause of high potassiumlevels in blood is related to the kidneys. High potassium levels in blood occur due to acute kidney failure or chronic kidney failure. Other causes include Addison's disease, alcoholism, rhabdomyolysis, destruction of red blood cells due to severe injury like burns, intake of excessive potassium supplements, type 1 diabetes, etc. Sometimes use of ACE inhibitors that are prescribed for high blood pressure and diuretics also cause high potassium levels in blood.

Sometimes, while taking blood samples, it may get hemolyzed, that means the blood cell walls may break open due to the vial or syringe. This causes the amount of potassium and other cell organelles to leak out into the blood thus, leading to elevated potassium levels.

Hyperkalemia: Treatment
The doctor may advice several agents to bring down excess potassium in blood. This includes calcium supplementation, insulin, bicarbonate therapy, salbutamol and in severe cases, dialysis or hemofiltration is carried out to remove potassium from the body.

Low Potassium Levels in Blood: Hypokalemia

When the levels of potassium drop below the normal potassium levels in blood, it leads to hypokalemia. The normal potassium level in blood is around 3.6 to 4.8 mEq/L and low potassium levels means it is less than 2.5 mEq/L. The signs and symptoms of low potassium levels in blood include weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, constipation, arrhythmia. The dangers of low potassium levels in blood include life-threatening conditions.

Hypokalemia: Causes
The causes of low potassium levels in blood include loss of potassium in urine or thorough the digestive tract. Other causes include use of diuretics, diarrhea, eating disorder, use of excessive laxatives, chronic kidney failure, vomiting and primary aldosteronism. Also, if one does not get potassium through their diet, it may lead to potassium deficiency.

Hypokalemia: Treatment
In order to overcome low potassium levels in blood, one needs to eat potassium rich foods. These include avocados, bananas, cantaloupe, raisins, tuna, milk, oranges, baked potatoes, raisins, etc. You should avoid over boiling of foods as it causes potassium to diffuse into water. The doctor may change your diuretic medications to some different kind of diuretics that do not deplete the levels of potassium in your body. Drink plenty of water, to help the kidneys maintain the potassium and electrolyte balance. Potassium supplements may be advised by the doctor to bring up your low potassium levels in blood.

This was some information related to potassium levels in blood. You should maintain normal potassium levels in blood as it is necessary to maintain a healthy physical and metal state. Hope this article has helped you detect signs of imbalance in potassium levels in blood and seek timely medical help.