Potassium Levels in Humans

We all know about the ‘essential minerals’ required for the body and potassium is one of them. It performs a range of functions in our body. Its most common functions 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 optimum levels of potassium.

Normal Potassium Levels



Potassium levels are measured in a unit known as milliEquivalents per Liter or (mEq/L). So in this unit, the normal potassium level is prescribed to be 3.5 – 5.0 mEq/L. If it 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 your 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 level is less than 3.5 mEq/Liter. The symptoms of low potassium levels 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 rich in potassium. It is very necessary to get hypokalemia diagnosed early. Severe cases of drop in potassium levels in blood may be fatal.

Hyperkalemia



The other problem is known as hyperkalemiam which is marked by high potassium levels. Normally, when the level 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 this 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 its 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.



So this was all about potassium levels 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 or hyperkalemia may be fatal.

Potassium Levels in Humans