Why is Potassium Level Important?

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