Potassium is a major electrolyte used by the body. Although potassium is abundantly available in foods and regulated by the body, certain health conditions and medications can cause abnormal potassium levels. These can lead to severe or even life-threatening complications.
Potassium Inside the Body
Readily obtained from a variety of foods, potassium is used by cells, tissues, and organs within the body. A primary function is to serve as a component of electrical conductivity that results in the contraction of muscles and cell signaling. Regulation of potassium levels primarily occurs within the kidneys and digestive tract.
Normal Potassium Levels
The normal potassium level for the average adult ranges between 3.6 to 4.8 mEq/L. Patients can learn their potassium levels after blood samples are drawn and analyzed at a medical laboratory. The farther the potassium levels are off, the more they may indicate health problems.
Hyperkalemia
Excessive potassium levels can be caused by diseases including renal failure and diabetes. In addition, certain medications such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and potassium-sparing diuretics can cause elevated potassium levels, a condition known as hyperkalemia. Symptoms of hyperkalemia may include muscle weakness, fatigue, nausea and irregular heart rhythms. Hyperkalemia is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment by a physician.
Hypokalemia
Certain health conditions, including severe diarrhea, can cause abnormally low potassium levels, a condition known as hypokalemia. In addition, medications such as diuretics can cause an excessive loss of potassium from the body through renal secretion. Symptoms of hypokalemia may also include muscle weakness, fatigue and irregular heart rhythms. Hypokalemia is also a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment by a physician. In some cases, potassium levels can be restored through the use of intravenous or oral potassium supplementation. Patients should contact a physician with concerns regarding potassium levels.
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