Biomarkers > Cardiovascular > Potassium

Potassium (mmol/L)

Cardiovascular

About Potassium

Potassium is a crucial electrolyte in the human body necessary for various cellular functions, including nerve signal transmission, muscle contraction, and fluid balance regulation. It is predominantly found inside cells and plays a significant role in maintaining cellular electrical neutrality and is key in the activation of numerous enzymes.

Reference Values

Optimal Range
3.5 - 5.0 mmol/L
Women's Optimal Range
3.5 - 5.0 mmol/L
Elite Value
Not specified

Health Implications

High
Elevated levels may indicate hyperkalemia, which can lead to severe cardiac issues including arrhythmias.
Low
Low levels may be associated with hypokalemia, potentially resulting in muscle weakness and increased risk of heart complications.

Symptoms

High
May include muscle weakness, fatigue, heart palpitations, chest pain, or numbness.
Low
Can include muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeats, fatigue, or tingling sensations.

Lifestyle Factors

Balanced nutrient-rich diet Increased consumption of potassium-rich foods Regular hydration Managing stress levels Reducing sodium intake Routine physical activity

Specimen Type

Blood Serum Blood Plasma Whole Blood Urine

Testing Methods

Flame Photometry Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE) Analysis Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy Colorimetric Assay Spectrophotometry
Also Known As
KSerum potassiumPotassium test

Scientific Sources

  1. 1. Whelton, P. K., Carey, R. M., Aronow, W. S., Casey, D. E., Collins, K. J., Himmelfarb, C. D., ... & Wright, J. T. (2018). 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults. *Journal of the American College of Cardiology*, 71(19), e127-e248.
  2. 2. Palmer, B. F., & Clegg, D. J. (2018). Physiology and pathophysiology of potassium homeostasis: Core curriculum 2019. *American Journal of Kidney Diseases*, 72(5), 682-695.
  3. 3. Kovesdy, C. P., Matsushita, K., Sang, Y., Brunskill, N. J., Carrero, J. J., Chodick, G., ... & Kalantar-Zadeh, K. (2020). Serum potassium and adverse outcomes across the range of kidney function: a CKD Prognosis Consortium meta-analysis. *European Heart Journal*, 41(31), 2882-2890.
  4. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. (2021). Potassium: Fact sheet for health professionals. Retrieved from
  5. World Health Organization. (2020). Potassium intake for adults and children: Guideline. Retrieved from

Related Biomarkers

Sodium, Calcium, Chloride, Magnesium, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)

Testing Information

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