High levels of potassium in the body reflect a condition called hyperkalemia. According to the "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," potassium is a crucial electrolyte in resting membrane potential. In hyperkalemic states, the delicate...
According to The Mayo Clinic, high potassium or hyperkalemia occurs when the potassium levels in your blood becomes higher than normal. Normally, your blood potassium is about 3.6 to 4.8 milliequivalents per liter. Having a blood potassium level...
The muscular system consists of muscles that allow the body to take part in gross movement. There are three types of muscles in the body: cardiac, skeletal and smooth. Cardiac muscle makes up the heart. Skeletal muscle covers most of your bones;...
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease because it puts extra strain on the heart and promotes atherosclerosis. If you have high blood pressure, one of the most important things you can do for your health is to lower...
Hyperkalemia refers to an increase in the potassium levels in the body, which may be due to an excessive intake of potassium or an abundant release of potassium from the cells into the blood. High potassium levels can be dangerous if not...
Numerous conditions can cause hypokalemia, or low serum potassium levels. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, potassium is an important mineral and electrolyte. Potassium is crucial for proper heart function, skeletal...
A clinically high potassium level in the heart is called hyperkalemia. Potassium is one of the most crucial positively-charged ions for the cells of the heart. The resting membrane potential of cardiac cells is determined in part by the flow of...
The kidneys filter waste materials from the blood and also help regulate the balance of acids and bases. If the kidneys become damaged, acid can build up in the body, resulting in a condition known as renal tubular acidosis. This disorder can...
Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) is a condition in which a patient has too much potassium circulating in the blood. Hyperkalemia is a serious condition that slows the heart rate, affects the kidneys and changes sodium levels in the body....
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, potassium is an essential mineral that promotes cardiac and bone health, smooth muscle contraction, digestion and other essential biological functions. Potassium can also pose serious health...
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...
A hyperkalemia arrhythmia is a serious medical condition in which increased levels of blood potassium cause abnormal heart activity. Symptoms can be seen on an ECG and this condition is fatal if left untreated. The Mayo Clinic explains that under...
Renal tubular acidosis, or RTA, prevents the kidneys from excreting acid, which then builds up in the blood stream causing acidosis. During the body's metabolic processes, acid is created. The kidneys excrete this excess acid in its tubules, the...
Potassium acts as an electrolyte -- a substance that conducts electrical impulses that power the heart and prompt the muscles to contract. Potassium also works with enzymes to speed up chemical reactions in the body. Although the body needs...
Potassium is an essential mineral that plays a key role in proper function of the organs, tissues and cells in the body. It is also one of body's electrolytes that conducts electricity in the body and promotes normal heart, digestive, skeletal and...
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, 98 percent of potassium in the body is in the organs and cells, and only a small amount is present in the bloodstream. A normal potassium level is 3.6 millequivalents per liter. A blood...
The functioning of your body is critically dependent on the close regulation of potassium levels. Potassium is an essential mineral and an electrolyte. Potassium exists inside the cells of your body and outside, in the extracellular spaces. The...
Potassium is one of the six macrominerals -- meaning minerals whose dosages are based on gram amounts -- that your body requires. Potassium chloride is a form of potassium supplement used to replenish your potassium electrolytes, which can be lost...
Potassium is an essential mineral necessary for the normal function of your cells, tissues and organs. Potassium functions as an electrolyte that is important for maintaining neuron communication, muscle contraction and your heartbeat. Imbalances...
Electrolyte levels in the body fluctuate with hydration. Potassium, carbonate, sodium, calcium and magnesium are the main electrolytes in the blood, and improper balances of any one of them can cause serious health problems. For example, a...
Electrolyte balance, like the relationship between potassium and sodium, is an important part of your body's chemistry. Electrolytes help conduct electrical signals throughout your body, through which muscle movement and other functions take...
A crucial electrolyte, potassium levels are normally kept within a narrow range, according to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine." This mineral is the major cation inside the cells responsible for the relaxation phase of muscle...
Electrolyte drinks are designed to act as an immediate source of energy and electrolytes for athletes to replace losses and help them continue their game. These electrolyte replacement drinks have become a popular alternative beverage to juice and...
Healthy kidneys filter waste products from the blood and flush the waste out of the body in urine. When your kidneys fail, hemodialysis can take over this filtering process. During hemodialysis, your blood travels from your body to a machine that...
High potassium levels, also called hyperkalemia, is a very serious condition that causes potentially fatal heart arrhythmia and tachycardia. The good news is that you can bring high levels down by following a low potassium diet. This diet is...
An essential positively charged ion, potassium is intimately connected with the electrical conduction system of the heart, according to "Rapid Interpretation of EKG's." Imbalances in potassium, an electrolyte, can produce dangerous heart...
Potassium is a crucial electrolyte involved in muscle relaxation, especially in the heart. Therefore, maintaining a balanced potassium level is essential to healthy function of your heart. According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine,"...
Magnesium helps control the amount of potassium that moves into and out of your cells. Because these minerals have such a close relationship, you may develop a high magnesium level and high potassium level at the same time. If allowed to progress...
Crucial to muscle contraction and relaxation, potassium is the most abundant electrolyte within your baby's cells. Potassium is a positively charged ion that is responsible for the relaxation of your baby's heart muscle. The book "Miller's...
