Potassium chloride is a salt that is composed of potassium and chlorine ions. When potassium chloride comes into contact with an aqueous or water-based environment, it dissolves into its two parts, functioning as both potassium and chlorine. Potassium chloride may be used to treat conditions associated with potassium deficiency, which may cause side effects such as an altered heart rate.
Role of Potassium
Potassium is one of the many essential minerals that you need to get from your diet. According to Oregon State University's Linus Pauling Institute, potassium serves many functional roles in your body: electrolyte, enzyme cofactor and regulator of cell membrane potential. It is also important for the stimulation and conductance of electrical signals in your nervous system. Potassium supplementation has been purported to reduce the risks of stroke occurrence, kidney stones and osteoporosis. Potassium may also be used to treat other medical conditions such as high blood pressure and hypertension.
Hypokalemia and Heart Rate
Potassium deficiency, also known as hypokalemia, may be the result of many conditions including malnutrition, anorexia, bulimia, alcoholism, diuretic use and congestive heart failure. Hypokalemia may cause many uncomfortable symptoms such as muscle cramping and weakness, fatigue, bloating, constipation and alterations in your heart rate. According to Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, severe hypokalemia may cause heart arrhythmias. Oral or intravenous potassium chloride is often used as a treatment for hypokalemia.
Hyperkalemia and Heart Rate
It is important to maintain the proper balance of potassium in your body through regular nutritional intake. Unlike hypokalemia, hyperkalemia is the result of too much potassium in your body. Hyperkalemia can be caused by excessive potassium intake, kidney problems, skin burns or adrenal gland failure. Symptoms of hyperkalemia may include some muscle paralysis, but you may never notice any symptoms until cardiac arrest has occurred. Treatment of hyperkalemia may include the use of diuretics or hemodialysis to remove excess potassium from your blood.
Dangers of Potassium Chloride
Potassium chloride is one of the most common treatment methods for individuals suffering from low blood potassium, or hypokalemia. Potassium chloride will have an effect on your heart and will normalize irregular heartbeats caused by potassium deficiency. According to Drugs.com, you should not take potassium chloride if you have kidney disease or have hyperkalemia, because this can cause your heart to stop. Always follow the advice and instructional support of your primary care provider when taking medications such as potassium chloride.
Member Comments