Potassium plays an important role in muscle contraction, cardiac function and the transmission of nerve impulses in the human body. Some medical conditions and prescription drugs cause elevated levels of potassium in the blood, which causes muscle...
A high level of potassium, known as hyperkalemia, is a potentially dangerous condition that can cause an irregular heartbeat, cardiac arrest and other problems, according to Medline Plus. Symptoms include changes in heart rhythm, nausea and slow,...
High potassium levels in your blood, also known as hyperkalemia, can occur for a number of reasons. Normally, the amounts of potassium in your blood stay within a narrow range, between 3.6 to 4.8 milliequivalents per liter, or mEq/L. If your...
Potassium is vital to the body for regulating muscle tissue, metabolism and maintaining the balance between the electrical and chemical processes of the brain. High potassium, also known as hyperkalemia, occurs when the kidneys fail to excrete...
High potassium levels, also referred to as hyperkalemia, result when the level of potassium in the blood is too high. Several different disorders, including acute kidney failure, Addison's disease and type 1 diabetes, as well as high blood...
Potassium is involved in nerve function, muscle control and blood pressure. A diet high in sodium and low in potassium might contribute to high blood pressure. Normal potassium concentration in the blood is 3.6 to 4.8 milliequivalents per liter....
Hyperkalemia is a life-threatening condition characterized by high levels of potassium in the blood. Potassium is an essential mineral that regulates muscle and nerve function in the body. It is critical for maintaining heart function and rhythm....
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...
Potassium is an electrolyte the body needs to perform several functions. This mineral assists with making proteins, metabolizes carbohydrates, helps build muscles and regulates the electrical activity of the heart. Your body gets potassium from...
Your body requires adequate amounts of potassium to keep your nerves, muscles and cells functioning normally. However, it is possible for you to have too much potassium in your bloodstream. Your medical provider may diagnose you with hyperkalemia...
Potassium is an electrolyte that is needed for the body to function properly. It is important to maintain a balance of potassium in the blood. Both high and low levels can be dangerous. Causes of high potassium levels include excessive intake,...
High potassium levels, also known as hyperkalemia, can be a serious problem. Potassium helps nerve and muscle cells function, including heart cells. Potassium levels may increase because of conditions like kidney failure or type 1 diabetes or due...
The human body has several intricate processes that maintain normal potassium and calcium levels in the blood. When organ damage, acute illness or chronic illness interrupts these processes, potassium and calcium levels may increase. Doctors refer...
Your body relies on a series of electrical reactions in order to maintain normal functions. These reactions give you energy that allows your heart to beat and your blood to flow. Potassium is an electrolyte associated with maintaining balance in...
The normal blood level of potassium, a mineral critical to the function of nerve and muscles cells, is 3.6 to 4.8 milliequivalents per liter, or mEq/L, according to MayoClinic.com. A potassium level higher than 6.0 mEq/L can be dangerous and...
The human body requires sodium and potassium to maintain normal functions. Potassium controls muscle contractions and nerve impulse transmission, while sodium controls the amount of water in the body and generates electrical impulses that control...
Medical professionals use the term hyperkalemia to describe high levels of potassium in the blood. Because potassium plays a role in nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction and other critical functions, high potassium levels increase the...
Potassium is a significant mineral your body needs to regulate functions of the muscles, nerves, kidneys, heart and digestive system. Generally, most of the potassium in your body is within your organs and cells, while a small percentage...
Found in fruits, vegetables, dairy products and other foods, potassium plays a role in the transmission of nerve impulses and the contraction of muscles. This mineral also helps to maintain normal fluid levels in the body. While potassium has many...
Potassium is an essential mineral needed for the muscles, heart, nerves, cells and organs to function properly. It's important to keep the proper amount of potassium in the blood because it conducts the electricity that keeps the heart beating,...
Healthy adults typically have a blood potassium levels between 3.6 and 4.8 milliequivalents per liter, or mEq/L. If the amount of potassium in your blood exceeds 6.0 mEq/L, your doctor may diagnose you with a condition called hyperkalemia. Talk...
Depending on your age and health status, your body needs between 400 and 5,100 mg of potassium each day, according to Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. If your blood potassium levels rise above 6.0 milliequivalents per liter or...
Hyperkalemia is the medical term for high levels of potassium in the blood. Potassium is one of the electrolytes your body uses to maintain the normal functions of its chemical and electrical processes. Potassium is found in the body's cells. Your...
The body needs potassium for normal tissue, organ, cell, muscular and even digestive function. It is found in much of the food you eat, primarily meats, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, certain types of fish and legumes. While it is important...
High levels of potassium are known as hyperkalemia, according to the Mayo Clinic. Your body requires a certain level of potassium in order to keep the heart beating and muscles and cells functioning. Too much potassium in the blood can cause...
Malnutrition and high serum potassium levels often occur together. Although there is a relationship between the two, malnutrition doesn't cause high potassium levels. Treating high serum potassium levels can cause malnutrition. Both are...
Potassium is an electrically charged particle, called an electrolyte, that works with other minerals and electrolytes to contract your muscles and maintain fluid and your acid-base balance. Approximately 98 percent of the potassium in your body is...
Hyperkalemia is the medical term for high levels of potassium in the blood. While mild hyperkalemia may not cause any symptoms or long-lasting problems, severe hyperkalemia can be life-threatening. Learning about high levels of potassium in the...
Potassium is an electrolyte required for the normal functioning of cells. Most of your body's potassium is located inside of cells with levels of potassium in the blood tightly regulated by several mechanisms. High levels of potassium can result...