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What is Potassium (K) in Blood Test? What is Hyperkalemia and Hypokalemia? Causes & Treatment?

Updated: Jun 16, 2024

  • Potassium in a blood test is a test that measures the amount of potassium in your blood.

  • Potassium is an essential mineral that is vital for the body. Ninety percent of potassium is inside your cells, 80% of which is in your muscle cells, but a small portion circulates in your blood.

  • Potassium is not synthesized in the body, so it is obtained externally through food. Potassium is found in many foods, to a greater or lesser extent. Green leafy vegetables (such as spinach, parsley and lettuce), dried legumes, nuts, potatoes and fruits (such as bananas and plums) are foods rich in potassium.

  • The body needs constant levels of potassium for normal nerve conduction, muscle contraction, heart function and fluid balance. Potassium is absorbed from the small intestine and excreted from the body through the kidneys.

  • Potassium test is often used to diagnose and monitor hypertension, acute kidney injury, and heart disease. It provides information about the body's fluid balance.

Potassium in a blood test is a test that measures the amount of potassium in your blood. Potassium is an essential mineral that is vital for the body. Ninety percent of potassium is inside your cells, 80% of which is in your muscle cells, but a small portion circulates in your blood. Potassium is not synthesized in the body, so it is obtained externally through food. Potassium is found in many foods, to a greater or lesser extent. Green leafy vegetables (such as spinach, parsley and lettuce), dried legumes, nuts, potatoes and fruits (such as bananas and plums) are foods rich in potassium. The body needs constant levels of potassium for normal nerve conduction, muscle contraction, heart function and fluid balance. Potassium is absorbed from the small intestine and excreted from the body through the kidneys. Potassium test is often used to diagnose and monitor hypertension, acute kidney injury, and heart disease. It provides information about the body's fluid balance. High potassium in a blood test means a potassium value above 5.2 mEq/L for adults and 4.7 mEq/L for children. Low potassium in a blood test means a potassium value below 3,5 mEq/L  for adults and 3.4 mEq/L for children.
What is Potassium (K) in Blood Test? What is Hyperkalemia and Hypokalemia? Causes & Treatment

What is A Normal Potassium Level in Blood Test ?

Normal potassium value varies according to age. Required potassium values according to age are as follows:

  • Adult: 3,5 to 5,2 mEq/L

  • Children 1 to 18 years 3.4 to 4.7 mEq/L

Reference values may vary slightly between laboratories. The reference values of the laboratory where the test was performed should be taken into account.

What is High Potassium Level (Hyperkalemia) in Blood Test?

  • High potassium in a blood test means a potassium value above 5.2 mEq/L for adults and 4.7 mEq/L for children. Reference values may vary slightly between laboratories.

  • Excessive potassium consumption, leakage of potassium within the cells into the blood for any reason, or failure of the kidneys to filter potassium causes high potassium levels in the blood.

  • High potassium in the blood is called hyperkalemia.


What Causes High Potassium Level in Blood Test?

  • Kidney Diseases: Excess potassium is removed from the body by the kidneys. Dysfunction in the kidneys may cause potassium not to be excreted sufficiently and potassium levels to rise.

  • Medications: Some medications, especially medications that lower blood pressure, heart medications, painkillers, and some antibiotics, can affect potassium levels and lead to hyperkalemia.

  • Diabetes: Some medications and insulin use used to control blood sugar in diabetic patients may affect potassium levels.

  • Diet: Consuming excessive amounts of potassium-containing foods can cause potassium levels to rise, especially if kidney function is reduced.

  • Trauma and Injuries: Severe trauma, burns, or destruction of tissues can cause intracellular potassium to be released and mixed into the blood.

  • Dehydration

  • Addison's disease


High Potassium Symptoms

  • Arrhythmia (a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat)

  • Fatigue

  • Muscle weakness

  • Nausea

  • Numbness or tingling

How to Treat High Potassium Level?

Treatment of high potassium is based on the underlying cause. If it is due to a diet rich in potassium, it can be brought to normal levels with dietary changes.


What is Low Potassium Level in Blood Test?

  • Low potassium in a blood test means a potassium value below 3,5 mEq/L  for adults and 3.4 mEq/L for children. Reference values may vary slightly between laboratories.

  • A potassium level below 2.5 can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

  • Low potassium is called hypokalemia.


What Causes Low Potassium (Hypokalemia) Level in Blood Test?

  • There are many causes of low potassium (hypokalemia). The most common cause is potassium loss due to excessive fluid loss. Excessive fluid loss is caused by diarrhea, sweating, vomiting and some medications such as diuretics.

  • Sometimes low potassium is caused by not getting enough potassium. This is rare because many foods are rich in potassium.

  • Magnesium deficiency may be related to potassium deficiency. That's because the kidneys need magnesium to help reabsorb potassium and keep it at normal levels. Therefore, magnesium deficiency causes potassium deficiency.

  • Adrenal gland disorders

  • Alcohol use disorder

  • Folic acid deficiency

Low Potassium Symptoms

  • Irregular heartbeat

  • Muscle cramps

  • Weak or twitching muscles

  • Fatigue

  • Nausea

  • Constipation


How to Treat Low Potassium Level?

Treatment of low potassium depends on the underlying cause. If it is due to fluid loss, the lost fluid must be replaced. If it depends on eating habits, it can be increased to normal levels by consuming foods rich in potassium. Stopping alcohol use may also help normalize potassium levels. In more severe cases, potassium may be given directly to the patient.

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