Potassium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in the proper functioning of cells, organs and bodily tissue. It is also an electrolyte, which means it can conduct electricity -- a vital part of muscle function. Potassium is an important factor in maintaining the heart and having too much or too little can cause the heart to malfunction.
Potassium and the Heart
The heart is a muscle and moves based on electrical impulses. The movement of sodium, potassium and calcium -- all electrically charged particles -- through the cells of the heart is what causes the heart to contract and expand. The constant influx and expulsion of these three particles changes the electrical charge of the area inside and outside the cells, causing the heart to contract or expand. The level of potassium in your blood also affects your blood pressure, which has an indirect function on the movement of the heart.
Too Little Potassium
Low levels of potassium in your blood is referred to as hypokalemia. It can be due to the loss of excessive loss of fluids, which can be caused by excessive sweating, vomiting, eating disorders and diarrhea. Diuretics, which are medications that increase urine output can have the same effect. Other causes include antibiotics and diseases that affect the kidney. Hypokalemia can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, particularly in those who have heart disease, but the levels have to be very low for that to occur.
Excess Potassium
Excess potassium, or hyperkalemia, means there is excessive amounts of potassium in your blood. According to MedlinePlus, most cases of hyperkalemia are caused by disorders that reduce the kidneys' ability to excrete potassium. Trauma to the tissues, such as burns, surgery or gastrointestinal bleeding, can also lead to hyperkalemia, but in most cases, normally functioning kidneys can get rid of the excess potassium. Hyperkalemia can result in a dangerously abnormal heartbeat, including slowing it down considerably and an irregular rhythm known as ventricular fibrillation, which can be life-threatening.
Recommendations
According to the Linus Pauling Institute, there is considerable evidence that a diet that offers at least 4,700 mg a day of potassium can reduce the risk of stroke, hypertension, osteoporosis, and kidney stones. Vegetables and fruits, particularly bananas, potatoes and plums, are the best sources of dietary potassium and can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Supplements that contain potassium are available, but due to the potential side effects, you should only take them under the guidance of your physician. If you have hypokalemia or hyperkalemia, you should discuss potassium consumption with your doctor.
Member Comments