Potassium Levels in Humans

We all know about the 'essential minerals' required for the body and potassium is one of them. What does potassium do for the body? Potassium performs a range of functions in our body. Most common functions of potassium in the human body include maintaining the rhythm of the heart, controlling the nerve impulses and the muscles. Potassium also helps in controlling the various enzymatic reactions and the metabolism of carbohydrates. Along with all these, it also works as part of the sodium-potassium pump in the body that looks after cell functioning. They work to help the nutrients enter the cell and throw the waste matter out from the cell. Thus we can see that it is important to maintain normal potassium levels in humans.

Normal Potassium Levels in Humans

It is very important to maintain the normal potassium levels in humans. So what are the normal potassium levels? Potassium levels in humans are measured in a unit known as milliEquivalents per Liter or (mEq/L). So in this unit, the normal potassium level in humans is prescribed to be 3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L. If your potassium level in blood is higher than this, it is said to be hyperkalemia. A level lower than this is known as hypokalemia. Changes in the level of potassium in blood may be due to changes in the levels of hormones, severe vomiting, changes in the functioning of the kidney and lowered consumption of potassium-rich foods. Let us look at each of these problems and their symptoms one by one.

Hypokalemia

Hypokalemia is the condition where the potassium level in blood is lower than normal. In people with hypokalemia, the potassium level in blood is less than 3.5 mEq/Liter. The symptoms of low potassium levels in humans include abnormal heart rhythms (known as dysrhythmias), a breakdown of muscle fibers (known as rhabdomyolysis), fatigue, muscle weakness and constipation. To correct this problem, you can get potassium supplements as recommended by your doctor or consume foods high in potassium. It is very necessary to get hypokalemia diagnosed early. Severe cases of drop in potassium levels in blood may be fatal. Read more on causes of low potassium.

Hyperkalemia

Another problem related with potassium levels in blood is known as hyperkalemia. The problem of high potassium levels in blood is known as hyperkalemia. Normally, when the potassium level in blood is between 5.1 and 6.0 mEq/Liter, it is known as mild hyperkalemia, between 6.1 and 7.0 mEq/Liter is known as moderate hyperkalemia and above 7 is known as severe hyperkalemia, and is potentially fatal. What causes high potassium levels in humans is well-researched and there are said to be several causes. Usually potassium is supposed to stay within the cells and not come into the blood stream. But due to certain tissue destruction, the potassium in the cells may enter the blood stream, raising the potassium level in blood. There is also a condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis, which is seen in type I diabetics in which the potassium in the cells is drawn out into the blood stream. The symptoms of hyperkalemia hardly ever arise until the potassium levels in blood reach 7.0 mEq/liter. Mostly the symptoms of hyperkalemia are very common and are not distinctive enough to be diagnosed as hyperkalemia symptoms in particular. But if your potassium levels go up, you experience muscle weakness, nausea, fatigue and a tingling sensation. In more severe cases you may also experience a slow heartbeat and a weak pulse. But mostly, to diagnose hyperkalemia it is essential to get a blood test done regularly. In case you have hyperkalemia, you can consume foods from this low potassium foods list.

You can also read more on:

• Potassium Deficiency Symptoms in Humans
• Potassium Rich Foods Chart

So this was all about potassium levels in humans and what happens when they go above or below the normal level. I repeat that it is essential to get a regular blood check up done to keep an eye on your potassium levels as hypokalemia and hyperkalemia may be fatal.