Potassium ("K") is the most important chemical element, thanks to which the necessary conditions for the occurrence of various reactions are created. In the body, it is in the form of cations - positively charged ions located inside the cell (in the intracellular fluid).
The content in the intercellular fluid is no more than 2% - this is exactly the potassium that is determined by biochemical analysis. A change in this indicator can be observed both in various physiological conditions and in pathology, and a decrease in blood concentration - hypokalemia - is life-threatening and can have serious consequences.
The norm is 3.4 - 5.0 mmol / l. At the same time, it provides:
Correct heart rate;
Contraction of the myocardium;
Skeletal muscle work;
Conducting a nerve impulse through neurons;
Water-salt balance.
For the normal maintenance of the above functions, you need a sufficient intake of "K" with food, since there are no own reserves of this chemical element. A lot is found in vegetables (especially herbs, potatoes), fruits and cereals.
The "K" level is influenced by the rate of its elimination. A decrease in concentration is caused by:
Kidney disease;
Water-salt and acid-base imbalance;
Hormonal changes (especially mineralocorticoids);
Uncontrolled use of diuretics;
Intoxication with repeated vomiting or diarrhea;
Severe inflammation;
Deficiency of other minerals;
Respiratory and circulatory disorders.
Hypokalemia - the level in biochemistry is less than 3.5 mmol / l. At the same time, it develops:
Severe fatigue;
Muscle pain;
Arrhythmia up to cardiac arrest;
Decrease in the activity of peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract with subsequent constipation up to dynamic intestinal obstruction;
Slow down reflexes;
Slowing down of mental processes;
Pathology of urination.
Conditions in which the norm is exceeded - hyperkalemia - are somewhat less common. However, this happens when:
Kidney failure;
Reverse mineralocorticoid disorders;
The release of the cation into the intercellular space in case of extensive injuries, tumors, poisoning, taking antibiotics or chemotherapeutic drugs, acid-base imbalance;
Overdose of drugs with "K";
Reinforced diet.
The clinical picture of hyperkalemia is similar to the symptoms that occur with ion deficiency. This is due to the general nature of the occurrence of such signs - a violation of the electrochemical potential of membranes, which is characterized by:
Arrhythmia;
Weakening of skeletal muscles up to paralysis;
Apathetic mood;
Imbalance in blood pressure (spikes from low to high).
Thus, the exchange of "K" is extremely important for the maintenance of normal vital activity of each individual cell and the whole organism as a whole. Therefore, if any symptoms appear that may correspond to hypo- or hyperkalemia, it is imperative to take biochemistry.
