Body Potassium Levels

Most of the potassium in your body is located inside of your cells and plays major roles in fluid and electrolyte balance. A small percentage of the potassium in your body circulates in the fluid outside of your cells, including your blood. When the amount of potassium inside your cells changes slightly, it does not have a significant effect on your body because the percentage is so high. If the amount of potassium in your blood changes even a small amount, however, it can be life threatening.

Normal Potassium Levels

A normal potassium range generally falls between 3.8 and 4.8 mEq/L. Hyperkalemia, or high blood potassium, is a condition that occurs when the levels of potassium in your blood rise above this range. If your blood potassium reaches 6.0 mEq/L or higher, it becomes a dangerous condition that requires emergency medical treatment. If your blood potassium drops, the condition is called hypokalemia. Blood potassium levels of 2.5 mEq/L can be life-threatening.

Causes of High Potassium Levels

High potassium levels commonly occur as a result of kidney disease or kidney failure. Addison's disease, a disease in which the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient amounts of adrenal hormones, may also cause high potassium levels. Other possible causes of high potassium levels include infections, serious injury, diabetes and dehydration. Excessive potassium take, usually through supplements, can cause high potassium levels as well, although this is more common in people with decreased kidney function. The use of beta blockers, diuretics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Advil, can also increase potassium levels.

Causes of Low Potassium Levels

Low potassium levels commonly occur as a result of dehydration, excessive vomiting or chronic diarrhea. Hyperaldosteronism, a condition in which the adrenal glands produce too much aldosterone, may also cause a decrease in potassium levels. In some cases, potassium levels decrease as a result of inadequate dietary potassium intake, although this cause is rare.

Considerations

While potassium testing can determine if the potassium in your blood is too high or too low, it cannot determine the exact cause of the abnormality. If a potassium test discovers that your potassium levels are abnormal, your doctor will request additional testing to determine the exact cause. Once the cause is determined, it is important to seek proper treatment to avoid dangerous complications and further disruptions in potassium levels.

Complications

The potassium in your blood plays a critical role in your heartbeat. If you do not seek treatment for abnormal potassium levels, it can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias, and heart attack. Abnormal potassium levels can also disrupt nerve function, causing muscle weakness and paralysis.