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Potassium is the dominant electrolyte inside your cells, essential for maintaining heart rhythm, enabling muscle contractions, and regulating fluid balance alongside sodium. Both high potassium (hyperkalemia) and low potassium (hypokalemia) can cause dangerous cardiac arrhythmias and require prompt attention — the therapeutic window is narrow. Abnormal potassium levels usually reflect kidney function issues, diuretic medication use, or hormonal conditions rather than dietary intake.
Also known as: K, K+, Potass, Potassium, Serum Potassium
High potassium (hyperkalemia) causes dangerous cardiac arrhythmias from kidney disease, ACE inhibitors, or tissue destruction. Low potassium (hypokalemia) causes muscle weakness, cramps, and cardiac arrhythmias from diuretics or vomiting.
Standard range is 3.5-5.0 mmol/L. Functional optimal is 4.0-4.5 mmol/L. Hemolyzed samples falsely elevate potassium.