Potassium is a mineral found in food that is vital to the human body. It's needed by all living cells in order to carry out life functions. Potassium is an electrolyte used to transmit messages through your nerves as well as control the activity of your muscles. It also aids in metabolism and digestion. However, too much potassium in the body can be harmful. High levels of potassium in the bloodstream, called hyperkalemia, can cause serious conditions harmful to your health.
Heart Problems
High potassium levels can have the most serious effects on your heart. Because potassium is involved in sending impulses throughout your body, including your heart, hyperkalemia can cause an irregular heartbeat called arrhythmia. If left untreated, arrhythmia can lead to serious heart problems. Signs of a problem include heart palpitations and chest pains.
Digestion
Hyperkalemia affects the cardiac muscle in your heart and the smooth muscle in your body, such as that found in the digestive system. The condition can cause you to improperly digest your food. This leads to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other side effects of poor digestion.
Fatigue
Potassium plays an important role in the activity of the skeletal muscles, those of your extremities and torso that control movement. Excess potassium can severely impede the functions of these muscles. In addition, due to hyperkalemia's effect on digestion, your body may not be absorbing necessary nutrients from your food. This can lead to muscle weakness and fatigue, which may be the most immediate symptoms you feel if suffering from hyperkalemia.
Member Comments