Potassium is an essential mineral for the proper functioning of the nervous, muscular, cardiac system and for the pH balance in the blood. The altered potassium levels in the blood can cause several health problems such as tiredness, cardiac arrhythmias and fainting. This is because potassium is one of the most important minerals in the body, being present inside cells and in the blood.
A diet rich in potassium is associated with several health benefits, such as decreased fluid retention, regulation of blood pressure and decreased risk of heart attack. This mineral is possible to be obtained through the consumption of meats, grains and nuts.
What is potassium for?
Potassium is an electrolyte found inside cells, playing a fundamental role in the body's hydroelectrolytic balance, preventing dehydration, as well as blood pH balance.
In addition, potassium is necessary for the emission of nerve signals that regulate muscle and heart contraction, as well as the body's reflexes. They also promote muscle development, since part of this mineral is stored in your cells, being important for periods of growth and development.
Blood potassium changes
The blood potassium reference value is between 3.5 mEq / L and 5.5 mEq / L. When this mineral is above or below the reference value, it can cause some health complications.
1. High potassium
Excess potassium in the blood is called hyperkalaemia or hyperkalemia, and has the following characteristics:
- Symptoms: if the excess of potassium is mild, there are usually no symptoms, but if the concentration of this mineral becomes too high, symptoms such as heart palpitations, weakness, pain in the chest region and decreased heart rate may appear. Causes: normally excess potassium is caused by kidney failure, type 1 diabetes, nephrotic syndrome and cirrhosis. Diagnosis: the diagnosis is made through blood tests or during the electrocardiogram, in which the doctor identifies changes in the functioning of the heart.
The treatment of hyperkalaemia is done with the removal of foods rich in potassium from the diet and, in the most severe cases, it may also be necessary to use medications in tablets or in the vein, and it is necessary to stay in the hospital until the condition improves. See how the food should be to lower potassium.
2. Low potassium
The lack of potassium in the blood is known as hypokalemia or hypokalemia is a hydroelectrolytic disorder that occurs mainly in hospitalized people due to decreased intake of food sources of potassium or as a consequence of excessive loss through urine or gastrointestinal tract. Hypokalemia is characterized by:
- Symptoms: constant weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, tingling and numbness. Causes: use of medications such as insulin, salbutamol and theophylline, vomiting and prolonged diarrhea, hyperthyroidism and hyperaldosteronism, chronic and excessive use of laxatives, cushing syndrome and, rarely, food. Diagnosis: it is done through blood and urine tests, electrocardiogram or arterial blood gas analysis.
The treatment for low potassium depends on the cause of the hypokalemia, the symptoms presented by the person and the concentration of potassium in the blood, being generally indicated by the doctor the intake of oral potassium supplements and the consumption of foods rich in this mineral, however in cases more severe it may be necessary to administer potassium directly into the vein.
People who have symptoms of potassium changes should see a general practitioner for blood tests and identify whether or not potassium levels are adequate. In cases of alterations in the exam, appropriate treatment should be followed according to medical advice to avoid further complications.
