Potassium levels altered in the blood can cause problems such as tiredness, heart arrhythmias and fainting. This is because potassium is one of the most important minerals in the body, being present inside cells and blood. It is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system, muscles, heart and blood pH balance, for example.
The reference value of potassium in blood is 3.5 mEq / L at 5.5 mEq / L, and when this mineral is out of these values it can cause serious health problems, such as infarction. The following are the causes and consequences of potassium changes in the blood.
What happens when potassium is high
Excess potassium in the blood is called hyperkalemia, and has the following characteristics:
- Symptoms: If excess potassium is mild, there are usually no symptoms, but if the concentration of potassium is too high, symptoms such as lowering blood pressure, heart palpitations, weakness, chest pain, decreased heart rate, and infarction.
- Causes: Usually excess potassium is caused by dehydration, kidney failure, type 1 diabetes, intense physical exercise or use of diuretic medications such as Spironolactone, and anti-inflammatories such as Ibuprofen.
- Diagnosis: The diagnosis is made through blood tests or during the electrocardiogram, when the doctor identifies changes in the functioning of the heart.
Treatment of hyperkalemia is done by withdrawing potassium-rich foods from the diet and, in more severe cases, it may also be necessary to use tablets or a vein medication, and you need to be hospitalized until the condition improves. See how it should be to feed the potassium.
What happens when potassium is low
Lack of potassium in the blood is known as hypokalemia, and has the following characteristics:
- Symptoms : Constant weakness, muscle cramps, frequent nausea and vomiting, increased blood sugar, difficulty breathing, constipation.
- Causes: use of diuretic medications, excessive consumption of diuretic teas, frequent diarrhea or vomiting, renal insufficiency, folic acid deficiency, excessive use of alcohol and laxatives.
- Diagnosis: It is done through blood tests, electrocardiogram or arterial blood gas analysis.
Hypokalemia is treated with the use of potassium supplements and the consumption of foods rich in potassium, but in more severe cases it may be necessary to administer potassium directly into the vein.
People who experience the symptoms of potassium changes should seek a general practitioner to perform blood tests and to determine if potassium levels are adequate. In cases of abnormalities in the examination, appropriate treatment should be followed according to medical advice to avoid further complications.
Foods rich in potassium
Some of the richest foods in potassium include banana, passion fruit, papaya, tomatoes, red peppers, spinach, watercress, beans, peas, chickpeas and canned goods such as tuna and sausage. See the amount of potassium in food.
