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Potassium is one of the essential minerals needed to keep our body healthy. The amount of this mineral in the blood can be a very important factor indicating a probable health problem. Almost 98% of the potassium present in our body is found in our cells. Either way, high or low level of potassium can be harmful. Kidneys are affected in both these conditions. So the crux of the matter is that normal potassium levels in the blood are imperative. But what is the normal level of potassium in the blood? Let's check out.
Normal Potassium Levels in Blood
Ideally the potassium level in the blood should be between 3.7 to 5.2 mili Equivalent/L. This figure may slightly vary from an individual to other. So in other cases, 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/l is also considered as normal potassium levels in . Basically the kidneys have to bear the brunt in both the scenarios. Interestingly enough, kidneys give out potassium and also regulate the overall potassium levels in our body. Read more on potassium levels in humans.
Heart and Potassium Level
For our heart muscle to function properly, the normal level of potassium is vital. If the potassium is insufficient, the heart contractions can be disturbed. It can lead to irregular heart beat, slow pulse and in chronic cases, even heart failure. Hence to prevent any kind of potassium-induced cardiac problems, it is necessary to consume potassium through food sources.
Determining Level of Potassium in Blood
As all of us would have a fair idea, a blood test is the easiest and the best way to know if we are in the safe zone or not. If the blood test shows that the level of potassium is in the normal range, then no problem! It is fundamentally called as an electrolyte level test. In case of children, the normal potassium levels in children are between 3.4 and 4.7 mEq/L. However the following conditions may not give you the correct potassium level in your blood:
* Taking potassium supplements
* Excessive usage of laxatives
* Antibiotics, which have potassium, non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids and other medicines prescribed for treating hypertension and heart problems
* Severe vomiting
In addition to that it is important to remember that most often than not the test results show low blood potassium level, rather than high. Immediately, an ECG should be done if that is the case, because as previously stated, low potassium level in blood impairs the contraction of heart muscle.
Implications of Abnormal Levels of Potassium
Abnormally levels of potassium can result in hyperkalemia or hypokalemia, respectively. Hyperkalemia is excess potassium in blood, that is 7.0 mEQ/l or higher. In extreme cases it can lead to cardiac arrest and death. High levels of potassium interfere and disturb the electrical rhythm of the heart. In addition to the than absence of normal potassium levels can lead to obstruction in the transmission of electrical signals all through the nervous system. Hyperkalemia is caused by kidney dysfunction, problems related to the adrenal gland and due to potassium sifting out of cells as a result of elevated acid levels in the blood.
On the contrary, if the level of potassium is low, it is called hypokalemia. There are various reasons for a dip in he blood potassium levels. These are diuretic medications, vomiting, diarrhea, increased level of corticosteroids, usage of laxative, cushing's syndrome, renal tubular acidosis, low magnesium level in the body and a few others. Muscle ache, cramps and weakness is one of the most prominent indicators of low potassium in the body. Read more on
* High Potassium Levels in Blood
* Low Potassium Levels
Eating fruits, especially bananas, green leafy vegetables and legumes will help in retaining healthy and normal potassium levels. Finally, consult a doctor as soon as you realize that there might be a change in the potassium level in your body. Take Care!
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