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Submitted by Dr S. Patel on 3 June 2017

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

 

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