What are electrolytes and what is their role in the body? How can an electrolyte imbalance affect health? What causes electrolyte imbalances and how can they be addressed through supplementation?

The Importance of Electrolytes in the Body

Electrolytes are substances that conduct electricity when dissolved in water. They play a crucial role in the healthy functioning of the human body. Electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and bicarbonate, are essential for regulating nerve and muscle function, hydrating the body, balancing blood acidity and pressure, and rebuilding damaged tissue.

The muscles and neurons are sometimes referred to as the “electric tissues” of the body, as they rely on the movement of electrolytes through the fluid inside, outside, or between cells. For example, a muscle needs calcium, sodium, and potassium to contract properly. When these electrolytes become imbalanced, it can lead to either muscle weakness or excessive contraction.

Common Electrolytes and Their Functions

The main electrolytes found in the human body include:

• Sodium (Na+): Regulates fluid balance, nerve and muscle function.
• Potassium (K+): Regulates fluid balance, nerve and muscle function.
• Calcium (Ca2+): Supports bone health, muscle contraction, and nerve function.
• Bicarbonate (HCO3-): Helps maintain proper blood pH and acid-base balance.
• Magnesium (Mg2+): Involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, supports muscle and nerve function.
• Chloride (Cl-): Maintains fluid balance and supports stomach acid production.
• Phosphate (PO4 3-): Plays a role in energy production and bone health.

Electrolyte Imbalances: Causes and Symptoms

The levels of electrolytes in the blood can become too high or too low, leading to an imbalance. Electrolyte levels can change in relation to water levels in the body, as well as other factors such as exercise, diarrhea, vomiting, and certain medical conditions or medications.

Symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance can include irregular heartbeat, weakness, twitching, muscle spasms, changes in blood pressure, fatigue, numbness, confusion, and even seizures or convulsions. The specific symptoms depend on which electrolyte is out of balance and whether its level is too high or too low.

Causes of Electrolyte Imbalances

There are several possible causes of an electrolyte imbalance, including:

• Low levels of electrolytes and dehydration after exercise
• Prolonged periods of vomiting or diarrhea
• Poor diet lacking in electrolyte-rich foods
• Severe dehydration
• Disruption of the acid-base balance in the body
• Congestive heart failure
• Cancer treatment
• Certain medications, such as diuretics
• Conditions like bulimia or kidney disease
• Age-related decline in kidney function

Diagnosing and Treating Electrolyte Imbalances

An electrolyte panel is a blood test that screens for imbalances in key electrolytes. It also measures the acid-base balance and kidney function. This test can help monitor the progress of treatment for a known imbalance.

Healthcare professionals may order an electrolyte panel as part of a routine physical exam, during a hospital stay, or in an emergency room setting, as both acute and chronic illnesses can affect electrolyte levels. Individuals taking medications known to affect electrolyte concentrations may also undergo this test.

Restoring Electrolyte Balance Through Supplementation

In cases of electrolyte imbalance, healthcare providers may recommend electrolyte supplementation to restore the proper balance. This can involve taking supplements containing specific electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, or calcium, or consuming electrolyte-rich foods and beverages.

Electrolyte supplementation is particularly important for individuals who have experienced significant fluid and electrolyte losses, such as during prolonged exercise, diarrhea, or vomiting. Restoring the proper electrolyte balance is crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing potentially serious complications.

The Role of Electrolytes in Maintaining Overall Health

Electrolytes play a vital role in the healthy functioning of the human body. They are essential for regulating nerve and muscle function, hydrating the body, balancing blood acidity and pressure, and rebuilding damaged tissue. Maintaining a proper balance of electrolytes is crucial for overall health and well-being.

By understanding the importance of electrolytes, recognizing the signs of an imbalance, and taking steps to restore the proper balance through supplementation or dietary changes, individuals can ensure that their bodies are functioning at their best and prevent potentially serious health issues.

Electrolytes: Uses, imbalance, and supplementation

An electrolyte is a substance that conducts electricity when dissolved in water. Electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, are essential for a number of functions in the body.

Everyone needs electrolytes to survive. Many automatic processes in the body rely on a small electric current to function, and electrolytes provide this charge.

Electrolytes interact with each other and the cells in the tissues, nerves, and muscles. A balance of different electrolytes is crucial for the body to function.

Fast facts on electrolytes

• Electrolytes are vital for the healthy functioning of the human body.
• Fruits and vegetables are good sources of electrolytes.
• Common electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, and bicarbonate.
• The symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance can include twitching, weakness, and, if unchecked, seizures and heart rhythm disturbances.
• Older adults are particularly at risk of an electrolyte imbalance

Electrolytes are chemicals that conduct electricity when dissolved in water.

They regulate nerve and muscle function, hydrate the body, balance blood acidity and pressure, and help rebuild damaged tissue.

The muscles and neurons are sometimes referred to as the “electric tissues” of the body. They rely on the movement of electrolytes through the fluid inside, outside, or between cells.

The electrolytes in human bodies include:

• sodium
• potassium
• calcium
• bicarbonate
• magnesium
• chloride
• phosphate

For example, a muscle needs calcium, sodium, and potassium to contract. When these substances become imbalanced, it can lead to either muscle weakness or excessive contraction.

The heart, muscle, and nerve cells use electrolytes to carry electrical impulses to other cells.

The levels of electrolytes in the blood can become too high or too low, leading to an imbalance. Electrolyte levels can change in relation to water levels in the body, as well as other factors.

Important electrolytes, including sodium and potassium, are lost in sweat during exercise. A rapid loss of fluids, such as after a bout of diarrhea or vomiting, can also affect the concentration of electrolytes. In these types of situations, the balance of electrolytes in the body needs to be restored.

The kidneys and several hormones regulate the concentration of each electrolyte. If the level of one is too high, the kidneys filter it from the body, and different hormones act to restore a balance.

An imbalance causes a health issue when the concentration of a certain electrolyte becomes higher than the body can regulate. Low levels of electrolytes can also affect overall health.

The most common imbalances involve sodium and potassium.

Symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance

The symptoms depend on which electrolyte is out of balance and whether its level is too high or too low.

A harmful concentration of magnesium, sodium, potassium, or calcium can produce one or more of the following symptoms:

• irregular heartbeat
• weakness
• twitching and muscle spasms
• changes in blood pressure
• excessive tiredness
• numbness
• confusion
• bone disorders
• nervous system disorders
• seizures
• convulsions

For example, a calcium excess can occur in people with breast cancer, lung cancer, or multiple myeloma. This type of excess is often caused by the destruction of bone tissue.

Signs and symptoms of excessive calcium may include:

• frequent urination
• constipation
• nausea
• stomach pain
• vomiting
• irregular heartbeat
• thirst
• dry mouth or throat
• lethargy
• fatigue
• moodiness and irritability
• extreme muscle weakness
• total loss of appetite
• confusion
• coma

As these symptoms can also result from cancer or cancer treatment, it may be difficult to identify high calcium levels as the cause.

There are several possible causes of an electrolyte imbalance, including:

• low levels of electrolytes and hydration after exercise
• prolonged periods of vomiting or diarrhea
• poor diet
• severe dehydration
• disruption of the acid-base balance, which is the proportion of acids and alkalis in the body
• congestive heart failure
• cancer treatment
• some other drugs, such as diuretics
• bulimia
• kidney disease
• age, as the kidneys of older adults become less efficient over time

An electrolyte panel is a test that screens for imbalances in the blood. It also measures the acid-base balance and kidney function. This test can help monitor the progress of treatment relating to a known imbalance.

A doctor may include it as part of a routine physical exam, and people often undergo it during a hospital stay or when receiving care in an emergency room, as both acute and chronic illnesses can affect electrolyte levels.

A healthcare professional may also perform this test for someone taking medication known to affect electrolyte concentrations, such as diuretics or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors.

The levels of electrolytes in the blood are measured in millimoles per liter (l). If the level of one type of electrolyte is too high or low, the doctor will test regularly until the levels are back to normal.

If there is an acid-base imbalance, the doctor may carry out blood gas tests. These measure the acidity, oxygen, and carbon dioxide levels in a sample of blood from an artery. They also determine the severity of the imbalance and how the person is responding to treatment.

For people who do not need treatment in a hospital, a doctor may recommend dietary changes or supplements to balance electrolyte concentrations.

When levels of an electrolyte are too low, it is important to have foods and drinks that contain high amounts of that electrolyte. Here are some options:

It is worth knowing how much of each electrolyte is in a type of food or drink. The Department of Agriculture has a searchable database of nutritional contents.

Supplements are also an option for managing low levels of an electrolyte. For example, older adults often do not consume enough potassium, and treatments with corticosteroids or diuretic medications can also reduce these levels. In this case, potassium tablets can boost the concentration in the blood.

Some sports drinks, gels, and candies can restore levels of electrolytes such as sodium and potassium during and after exercise. They can also help the body retain water.

However, these products sometimes contain high electrolyte contents, and consuming too much can lead to an excess. Some also contain high levels of sugar.

It is important to carefully follow any treatment or supplementation plan that a health professional recommends.

Recommended intake

Restoring the balance of electrolytes by making dietary changes should lead to an improvement in symptoms. If it does not, a doctor may order further tests to identify any underlying health conditions that may be causing the imbalance.

Recommended intakes of some of the most common electrolytes are as follows:

Electrolytes are a vital part of a person’s chemical makeup. An imbalance can affect the way the body works and lead to a range of symptoms. For example, if a person feels faint after a workout, an electrolyte imbalance could be one reason.

Consuming electrolytes during or after intense exercise and other periods of profuse sweating can help preserve the balance. Be sure to stay hydrated at all times. Anyone with concerns should contact a healthcare professional.

Overview of Electrolytes – Hormonal and Metabolic Disorders

By

James L. Lewis III

, MD, Brookwood Baptist Health and Saint Vincent’s Ascension Health, Birmingham

Reviewed/Revised Sep 2021 | Modified Sep 2022

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Well over half of the body’s weight is made up of water. Doctors think about the body’s water as being restricted to various spaces, called fluid compartments. The three main compartments are

To function normally, the body must keep fluid levels from varying too much in these areas.

Some minerals Overview of Minerals Minerals are necessary for the normal functioning of the body’s cells. The body needs relatively large quantities of Calcium Chloride Magnesium Phosphate read more —especially the macrominerals (minerals the body needs in relatively large amounts)—are important as electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge when they are dissolved in a liquid such as blood. The blood electrolytes—sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate—help regulate nerve and muscle function and maintain acid-base balance Overview of Acid-Base Balance An important property of blood is its degree of acidity or alkalinity. The acidity or alkalinity of any solution, including blood, is indicated on the pH scale. The pH scale, ranges from 0 … read more and water balance About Body Water Water accounts for about one half to two thirds of an average person’s weight. Fat tissue has a lower percentage of water than lean tissue and women tend to have more fat, so the percentage… read more .

Electrolytes, particularly sodium Overview of Sodium’s Role in the Body Sodium is one of the body’s electrolytes, which are minerals that the body needs in relatively large amounts. Electrolytes carry an electric charge when dissolved in body fluids such as blood… read more , help the body maintain normal fluid levels in the fluid compartments because the amount of fluid a compartment contains depends on the amount (concentration) of electrolytes in it. If the electrolyte concentration is high, fluid moves into that compartment (a process called osmosis). Likewise, if the electrolyte concentration is low, fluid moves out of that compartment. To adjust fluid levels, the body can actively move electrolytes in or out of cells. Thus, having electrolytes in the right concentrations (called electrolyte balance) is important in maintaining fluid balance among the compartments.

The kidneys help maintain electrolyte concentrations Water and electrolyte balance The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that figure prominently in the urinary tract. Each is about 4 to 5 inches (12 centimeters) long and weighs about one third of a pound (150 grams). One lies… read more by filtering electrolytes and water from blood, returning some to the blood, and excreting any excess into the urine. Thus, the kidneys help maintain a balance between daily consumption and excretion of electrolytes and water.

If the balance of electrolytes is disturbed, disorders can develop. For example, an electrolyte imbalance can result from the following:

• Becoming dehydrated Dehydration Dehydration is a deficiency of water in the body. Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, burns, kidney failure, and use of diuretics may cause dehydration. People feel thirsty, and as dehydration… read more or overhydrated Overhydration Overhydration is an excess of water in the body. People can develop overhydration if they have a disorder that decreases the body’s ability to excrete water or increases the body’s tendency… read more

• Taking certain drugs

• Having certain heart, kidney, or liver disorders

• Being given intravenous fluids or feedings in inappropriate amounts

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Water-electrolyte metabolism in the body of a healthy person: principles of regulation

Regulation of water-salt metabolism , like most physiological regulations, includes afferent, central and efferent links. The afferent link is represented by a mass of receptor apparatuses of the vascular bed, tissues and organs that perceive shifts in osmotic pressure, volume of liquids and their ionic composition. As a result, an integrated picture of the state of the water-salt balance in the body is created in the central nervous system. So, with an increase in the concentration of electrolytes and a decrease in the volume of circulating fluid (hypovolemia), a feeling of thirst appears, and with an increase in the volume of circulating fluid (hypervolemia), it decreases. The consequence of the central analysis is a change in drinking and eating behavior, a restructuring of the gastrointestinal tract and the excretion system (primarily kidney function), implemented through efferent links of regulation. The latter are represented by nervous and, to a greater extent, hormonal influences. An increase in the volume of circulating fluid due to an increased content of water in the blood (hydremia) can be compensatory, occurring, for example, after massive blood loss. Hydremia with autohemodillation is one of the mechanisms for restoring the correspondence of the volume of circulating fluid to the capacity of the vascular bed. Pathological hydremia is a consequence of a violation of water-salt metabolism, for example, in renal failure, etc. A healthy person may develop short-term physiological hydremia after taking large amounts of liquid.

In addition to the permanent exchange of water between the body and the environment, the exchange of water between the intracellular, extracellular sector and blood plasma is important. It should be noted that the mechanisms of water and electrolyte exchange between sectors cannot be reduced to physical and chemical processes only, since the distribution of water and electrolytes is also associated with the functioning of cell membranes. The most dynamic is the interstitial sector, which primarily affects the loss, accumulation and redistribution of water and shifts in electrolyte balance. Important factors influencing the distribution of water between the vascular and interstitial sectors is the degree of permeability of the vascular wall, as well as the ratio and interaction of the hydrodynamic pressures of the sectors. In plasma, the protein content is 65-80 g/l, and in the interstitial sector, only 4 g/l. This creates a constant difference in colloid osmotic pressure between the sectors, which ensures the retention of water in the vascular bed. The role of hydrodynamic and oncotic factors in water exchange between sectors was shown as early as 1896y. American physiologist E. Starling: the transition of the liquid part of the blood into the interstitial space and back is due to the fact that in the arterial capillary bed the effective hydrostatic pressure is higher than the effective oncotic pressure, and vice versa in the venous capillary.

Humoral regulation of water and electrolyte balance in the body is carried out by the following hormones:

– antidiuretic hormone (ADH, vasopressin), acts on the collecting ducts and distal tubules of the kidneys, increasing water reabsorption;
– natriuretic hormone (atrial natriuretic factor, PNF, atriopeptin), dilates the afferent arterioles in the kidneys, which increases renal blood flow, filtration rate and excretion of Na +; inhibits the release of renin, aldosterone and ADH;
– the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system stimulates the reabsorption of Na + in the kidneys, which causes NaCl retention in the body and increases the osmotic pressure of the plasma, which determines the delay in fluid excretion.

– parathyroid hormone increases potassium absorption by the kidneys and intestines and phosphate excretion and increases calcium reabsorption.

The content of sodium in the body is regulated mainly by the kidneys under the control of the central nervous system through specific natrioreceptors. responding to changes in the sodium content in body fluids, as well as volumoreceptors and osmoreceptors, responding to changes in the volume of circulating fluid and the osmotic pressure of the extracellular fluid, respectively. The content of sodium in the body is controlled by the renin-angiotensin system, aldosterone, natriuretic factors. With a decrease in the water content in the body and an increase in the osmotic pressure of the blood, the secretion of vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) increases, which causes an increase in the reverse absorption of water in the renal tubules. An increase in sodium retention by the kidneys causes aldosterone, and an increase in sodium excretion causes natriuretic hormones, or natriuretic factors (atriopeptides, prostaglandins, ouabain-like substance).

The state of water-salt metabolism largely determines the content of Cl- ions in the extracellular fluid. Chlorine ions are excreted from the body mainly with urine, gastric juice, and sweat. The amount of excreted sodium chloride depends on the diet, active reabsorption of sodium, the state of the tubular apparatus of the kidneys, and the acid-base state. The exchange of chlorine in the body is passively associated with the exchange of sodium and is regulated by the same neurohumoral factors. The exchange of chlorides is closely related to the exchange of water: a decrease in edema, resorption of transudate, repeated vomiting, increased sweating, etc. are accompanied by an increase in the excretion of chloride ions from the body.

Potassium balance in the body is maintained in two ways:
by changing the distribution of potassium between intra- and extracellular compartments, regulation of renal and extrarenal excretion of potassium ions.
The distribution of intracellular potassium relative to extracellular potassium is maintained primarily by Na-K-ATPase, which is a structural component of the membranes of all body cells. Potassium uptake by cells against a concentration gradient initiates insulin, catecholamines, aldosterone. It is known that acidosis promotes the release of potassium from the cells, alkalosis – the movement of potassium into the cells.

The renally excreted potassium fraction usually accounts for approximately 10-15% of total filtered plasma potassium. The retention in the body or excretion of potassium by the kidney is determined by the direction of potassium transport in the connecting tubule and collecting duct of the renal cortex. With a high content of potassium in food, these structures secrete it, and with a low content of potassium, there is no secretion of potassium. In addition to the kidneys, potassium is excreted by the gastrointestinal tract and during sweating. At the usual level of daily potassium intake (50-100 mmol/day), approximately 10% is eliminated in the stool.

The main regulators of calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the body: vitamin D, parathyroid hormone and calcitonin. Vitamin D (as a result of transformations in the liver, vitamin D3 is formed, in the kidneys – calcitriol) increases the absorption of calcium in the digestive tract and the transport of calcium and phosphorus to the bones. Parathyroid hormone is released when the level of calcium in the blood serum decreases, while a high level of calcium inhibits the formation of parathyroid hormone. Parathyroid hormone increases the calcium content and reduces the concentration of phosphorus in the blood serum. Calcium is resorbed from the bones, its absorption in the digestive tract also increases, and phosphorus is removed from the body with urine. Parathyroid hormone is also required for the formation of the active form of vitamin D in the kidneys. An increase in serum calcium levels promotes the production of calcitonin. In contrast to parathyroid hormone, it causes the accumulation of calcium in the bones and reduces its level in the blood serum, reducing the formation of the active form of vitamin D in the kidneys. Increases the excretion of phosphorus in the urine and reduces its level in the blood serum.

Table of the norm of potassium in the blood of women and men

The norm of potassium in the blood of women, men of different ages is considered, as well as the reasons for the deviation from the norm.

The rate of potassium in the blood of women and men is determined by the balance of various processes: intake with food, content and excretion of potassium from the body. There is no organ in which potassium is deposited (deposited) in the human body. This means that even with slight fluctuations in its concentration in the cytoplasm of cells, the content in the blood serum also changes. This allows us to consider a blood test for potassium accurate and indicative for determining its balance in the human body.

What is the role of potassium in the human body?

The main part of the macroelement is contained in the cells, in the intercellular space its content is 40 times lower. During the functioning of cells, potassium is consumed and excreted from the cytoplasm. To maintain its normal concentration, a potassium-sodium pump works, which replenishes the spent ions. The biological role is:

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• providing sufficient conditions for maintaining the membrane potential and the possibility of muscle contractions;
• maintaining the total concentration of all particles dissolved in the blood;
• normalization of acid-base and water balance.

The daily intake for children is from 550 to 1650 mg, adults need to receive from 1750 to 5100 mg. It should be emphasized that the daily need for a macronutrient is largely determined by a person’s body weight, his daily physical activity and climate. With dehydration, indigestion and taking diuretics, it is necessary to increase the daily intake of potassium.

When is potassium tested?

The need for an examination is determined by a doctor: an internist, nephrologist, cardiologist, nutritionist or traumatologist. Indications for prescribing a biochemical blood test for potassium:

• suspicion of a pathology associated with a deficiency or excess of a macronutrient in the body;
• the need to assess the balance of electrolytes during the course of treatment with diuretic or cardiac drugs;
• cardiac arrhythmias;
• tremor of limbs;
• diseases of the thyroid and adrenal glands;
• Patient has stable high blood pressure.

The test is also carried out in case of symptoms of an increase or decrease in potassium in a person. Symptoms of an increase include: irritability, digestive disorders, cardiac arrhythmia and convulsions.

Decreased macronutrient content is accompanied by general weakness, increased thirst, weight loss, slowing down of reflex activity, lowering blood pressure and frequent urge to urinate.

Preparation for the study consists in fasting, lasting at least 8 hours and not more than 14. On the eve, fatty, highly salted and smoked dishes that create food overload should be excluded from the diet. Unsweetened and non-carbonated water can be drunk in any quantity. Since some medications have a direct effect on the indicator, they should also be excluded for 24-72 hours by prior agreement with the attending physician.

The rate of potassium in the blood of women by age in table

To assess the level of potassium in the blood, a biochemical analysis is performed using ion-selective electrodes. The term of the study does not exceed 1 day, not counting the day of taking the biomaterial.

It must be emphasized that a potassium blood test alone is not sufficient to determine the cause of a disease in a patient. The study is often carried out in combination with sodium and chlorine. That provides a more complete picture of human health.

Important: The information provided is for guidance only and cannot be used for self-diagnosis. When interpreting the data obtained, the doctor necessarily uses information from other sources. For example, the patient’s history, data from other laboratory and instrumental examinations.

Let’s take a closer look at the normal values ​​of the considered macronutrient for women, taking into account age.

The maximum content of the macronutrient occurs in the first weeks of a baby’s life. What is necessary for the full development of his body. Then the level of potassium in the blood begins to gradually decrease, and from the age of 15 remains unchanged for healthy women.

The norm of potassium in the blood for men

The allowable values ​​for men and women are the same. The norm of a macroelement in the blood of men over 15 years old is 3. 5 – 5.15 mmol / l.

For men over 50 years of age, a decrease to 3.75 – 4.7 mmol / l is acceptable. After 60 years – up to 4-5.1 mmol / l. This is due to a decrease in physical activity and frequent problems with blood pressure.

Blood potassium abnormal in women

Why is it important to monitor macronutrient levels? Deviation from the norm poses a serious threat to human health. A state of excess or deficiency may be accompanied by shock, respiratory failure, or a malfunction in the heart rhythm.

Violation of the normal content of potassium contributes to the failure of the transmission of impulses in muscle tissue, as well as between neurons. The most dangerous violation of impulse transmission for a person is the loss of the ability to contract the heart muscle. Let us consider in more detail what an increase or decrease in potassium in the blood serum means.

Exceeding the norm

Main article: What does high blood potassium mean in adults?

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This pattern is typical for patients with hypertensive dehydration. It can occur when fluid is lost against the background of:

• excessive sweating;
• prolonged and severe dyspnea;
• vomiting and diarrhea;
• high body temperature, such as infection;
• insufficient intake of fluid into the human body.

The concentration of potassium also increases in pathologies that delay the excretion of ions by the kidneys with urine. For example, hyperaldosteronism or hypercoticism syndrome.

In hyperaldosteronism, the adrenal cortex produces an excess amount of the hormone. It begins to strongly affect the nephrons of the kidneys, which provokes the retention of potassium ions and increased excretion of magnesium, potassium and hydrogen. Treatment in most cases contributes to a favorable outcome. Only 5% of cases end in severe irreversible pathologies.

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Hypercoticism syndrome combines all pathologies in which adrenal hormones affect the human body in excess for a long time. In other words, this is a broader concept, which includes, among other things, hyperaldosteronism. Treatment is aimed at lowering the hormone with drugs, as well as correcting the symptoms that accompany this condition. The development of a tumor on the adrenal glands requires surgical intervention and removal of the neoplasm.

Below normal

Main article: All symptoms of low potassium in the blood

Potassium deficiency may be associated with its insufficient intake in the human body. Excessive excretion of the macroelement from the body occurs with diarrhea, frequent vomiting and fistulas in the intestines, as well as kidney pathologies, accompanied by frequent urination.

In patients with diabetes, especially without proper treatment, there is a decrease in the value of the indicator. A similar situation is observed in people who are injected into the body with a large amount of liquid with a low concentration of ions.

What influences the result?

This indicator is influenced by some groups of drugs. The intake of heparin, lithium, beta-blockers and potassium-sparing diuretics leads to an increase. Beta-antagonists, antimycotics and antibacterial drugs contribute to the decrease. Therefore, it is important to inform the laboratory employee and the doctor about their use when deciphering the results of the analysis.

If the patient has a severe form of thrombocytosis or leukocytosis, then the results may be falsely elevated potassium levels.

Conclusions

In summary, the main points should be highlighted:

• the main biological role of potassium is to provide membrane potential and maintain the possibility of impulse conduction;
• the norm of a substance changes with age, for adults the permissible value is from 3.5 to 5.15 mmol / l. In newborn babies, the amount of a macroelement can reach 6 mmol / l;
• potassium deficiency is caused by pathologies that lead to its excessive excretion from the body, or insufficient intake;
• excess, as a rule, is accompanied by its accumulation due to disruption of the normal functioning of the kidneys or adrenal glands.