Many of us have experienced heaviness in legs that feels uncomfortable. In some cases, it is normal and goes off on its own but in other cases, it could be an alarming sign for the body. This article focuses on three main features: what causes swelling in the legs, when to be concerned about it, and when to visit a healthcare professional.
Leg swelling is caused by excess fluid retention in the tissues of the lower limbs. This fluid would normally be in the circulatory system but squeezes out…
This time in our Health by Numbers/Medical Tests series, Dr Shital Raval takes a look at the importance of Potassium levels in the electrolyte panel.
Read the first part on Sodium Levels
POTASSIUM:
Potassium is both a mineral and electrolyte. It is important for heart, muscle, digestive and nerve functioning. The potassium test is often part of a routine or done to check on the electrolyte balance of the body. The best sources of potassium are:
- Leafy greens such as swiss chard, spinach, etc
- Vegetables such as squash, sweet potatoes, avocados, mushrooms etc
- Grains/beans such as lima beans, kidney beans, lentils, & pinto beans
- Fruits like bananas, papaya, dried apricots, pomegranate seeds etc
- Fish like salmon
- Coconut water
The normal potassium level in the blood is 3.5-5.0 milliEquivalents per liter (mEq/L). The amount of potassium in blood is very small, so even minor changes in this amount can lead to serious health problems.
Low potassium levels:
Lower than normal levels or Hypokalemia may be due to:
- Insufficient potassium in the diet
- Gastrointestinal disorders or chronic vomiting or diarrhea.
- Medications such as diuretics, corticosteroids, certain antibiotics and antifungals. Excessive use of laxatives or overdose of acetaminophen.
- Folate deficiency
- Diabetes
- Excessive sweating
- Chronic kidney disease
- Increased production of aldosterone hormone.
- Cushing syndrome, where there is increased production of cortisol hormone.
*Blood potassium level of less than 2.5mmol/l requires urgent medical treatment.
High potassium levels :
Higher than normal levels or Hyperkalemia may be due to:
- A high potassium diet or intake of potassium supplements.
- Red blood cell loss following a severe injury or burns.
- After a blood transfusion.
- Acute or chronic kidney failure.
- Addison’s disease (adrenal gland failure).
- Breakdown of muscle fibers due to alcohol or drug abuse.
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Certain medications such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers and diuretics.
*Blood potassium level of more than 7.0mmol/l requires urgent medical treatment.
Related Recommended Reading: Diet for Chronic Kidney Disease
Changed
03/Jun/2017
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