Potassium And Cardiac Function

Potassium is an element that primarily functions in the body to keep a normal water balance between the cells and body fluids, according to the Colorado State University Extension. The Institute of Medicine daily potassium recommendations for most individuals, according to a report by the Linus Pauling Institute, is around 4,700 milligrams, obtained from potassium-rich foods like bananas, cantaloupe, prunes, potatoes, and dairy products, among others.

Potassium and Cardiac Function

Potassium, according to the Linus Pauling Institute, is responsible for maintaining potassium and sodium balance in the body. This balance effects the regulation of blood pressure, with increased potassium intake shown to have an effect on decreasing blood pressure, as reported by the Colorado State University Extension. In addition, potassium plays a role in nerve function and muscle control, both of which can effect heart contraction and overall heart function. A normal potassium level is between 3.5 and 5.0 milliequivalents per liter.

Hypokalemia

A potassium level below 3.5 milliequivalents/liter is also known as hypokalemia. According to the Penn State College of Medicine, hypokalemia is a low level of potassium in the blood usually seen in individuals with poor kidney function, in those who take diuretics, and in those with eating disorders, all of which may have an electrolyte imbalance. Hypokalemia may also be caused by not consuming enough potassium, poor diabetic control, or by releasing too much potassium through bodily fluids, such as through sweating, vomiting or diarrhea, according to the Colorado State University Extension. Electrolyte imbalance caused by hypokalemia can lead to cardiac arrest.

Hyperkalemia

A potassium level above 5.0 milliequivalents/liter, or hyperkalemia, can have serious effects on health, especially on cardiac function. Hyperkalemia, according to MedLine Plus, is the condition of having higher then normal levels of potassium in the blood. Hyperkalemia can be caused by release of potassium from cells into the blood by kidney failure or certain forms of trauma such as burns, gastrointestinal bleeding, surgery or tumors. Severe hypokalemia, according to the Linus Pauling Institute, can lead to muscular weakness or paralysis that can lead to heart arrhythmias, which in turn can lead to cardiac arrest. Hyperkalemia may lead to ventricular fibrillation, progressively slowed heartbeat known as bradycardia, as well as heart block, all of which can also lead to cardiac arrest.

Potassium and Blood Pressure

As reported by the Linus Pauling Institute, studies using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data have shown that higher dietary intakes of potassium are associated with lower blood pressure. High blood pressure is caused when there is too much salt in the blood, thus causing an excess amount of fluid in the body that places pressure on the heart. Potassium, according to the Colorado State University Extension, helps the body excrete more sodium, which prevents an excess of fluid from putting pressure on the heart.

Treatment

Cardiac function affected by hyperkalemia may be treated with a low potassium diet as well as diuretics that will aid in the excretion of potassium from body fluids, according to MedLine Plus. On the other hand, any conditions caused by hypokalemia, according to Penn State College of Medicine, may be treated with potassium supplementation or increased intake of potassium in the diet, along with other medical treatments that may aid in balancing electrolytes.

Potassium and Cardiac Function