Potassium is an important electrolyte of the body and as with other electrolytes, the optimum concentration of potassium is required for healthy physiological functions. High level of potassium in the blood is known as hyperkalemia while the low level is termed as hypokalemia. Potassium helps in the functioning of muscles and channelizes information between the nerves and muscles.
The potassium blood test is used to measure the potassium level in the serum. Electrolytes help to control nerve and muscle function, maintain fluid level in the body and play a vital role in performing various physiological activities. Potassium is important for the functions of the heart and muscles.
The blood test to determine the potassium and other mineral levels is called the Electrolyte Panel. Electrolyte panel test is performed for measuring the level of various electrolytes in the blood such as chloride, sodium, and potassium. Only a smaller amount of potassium is present in blood or serum and a larger amount is present inside the cells. The level of potassium is controlled mainly by aldosterone hormone secreted by the adrenal glands. A small variation in the potassium level may lead to serious symptoms.
The patient needs a potassium blood test either as a part of their routine checkup or when they experience various symptoms which may be caused due to altered potassium levels.
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Before a potassium blood test, your doctor may restrict some medications.
The normal range of potassium in your blood is between 3.5 to 5.0 millimoles per liter. If potassium level in blood is between 5.0 to 6.0 mmol/L it is called mild hyperkalemia. Level of potassium between 6.0 to 7.0 mmol/L results in moderate hyperkalemia and severe hyperkalemia develops above 7.0 mmol/L. Potassium level below 3.5 mmol/L is known as hyperkalemia.
| Serum Potassium Levels(mmol/L) | Condition |
| Less than 2.5 | Severe hypokalemia |
| 2.5 to 3.0 | Moderate Hypokalemia |
| Less than 3.5 | Hypokalemia |
| 3.5 to 5.0 | Normal |
| 5.0 to 6.0 | Mild Hypokalemia |
| 6.0 to 7.0 | Moderate Hypokalemia |
| More than 7.0 | Severe Hypokalemia |
When potassium level is low then this condition is called hypokalemia. When the level of potassium in the blood is less than 3.5 mmol/L, the condition is known as hypokalemia. For initiation of treatment and the evaluation of medical urgency, the condition is further subdivided in to mild hypokalemia (with levels between 3.5 mmol/L to 3.0 mmol/L), moderate hypokalemia (with levels between 3.0 mmol/L to 2.5 mmol/L) and severe hypokalemia (with levels below 2.5 mmol/L). Potassium is a nutrient which is required for muscles and nerves functions. The potassium also has an important role in maintaining blood pressure. The kidney controls the level of potassium in the blood. The mild hypokalemia does not cause serious symptoms and if present they include tiredness, cramps, and constipation.
Low blood potassium level may lead to the following symptoms
Severe hypokalemia is a condition characterized by the level of potassium below 2.5 mmol/L in blood. Severe hypokalemia significantly increases the risk of developing serious conditions such as acute respiratory failure, cardiac arrhythmias, and cardiovascular collapse. Immediate potassium supplement is given in such condition to reduce the risk.
A high level of potassium in the blood is known as hyperkalemia. The normal range of potassium level in the body is 3.2 mmol/L to 5.2 mmol/L. If the potassium level is increased above 6.0 mmol/L patient requires medical intervention. Kidney disease is one of the reasons for the high potassium level. The kidney controls the level of potassium in body fluids by controlling the amount of potassium to be excreted. When kidney functions disrupt, potassium is not efficiently excreted in urine and thus the level increases in blood. High potassium level may also be due to dehydration, injuries that cause severe bleeding and uncontrolled diabetes.
Symptoms experienced by the patients with high potassium level include
In rare cases, a moderately high level of potassium causes paralysis and heart failure.
The condition with a too high level of potassium in the blood is known as severe hyperkalemia. This condition is serious and requires immediate medical intervention. The patient may experience lethal arrhythmias. Delay in treatment may lead to cardiac arrest and death. Treatment aims to monitor the condition of the patient and immediate administration of drugs that works rapidly and synergistically.
Medically Reviewed By
Rohit Jain is an IPR Specialist and Medical Content Writing Expert. For over a decade, he has written several articles in the areas of female infertility, Erectile dysfunction, hemangioma, cervical cancer, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, mononucleosis, mitral valve disorder, nerve sheath tumor, shin splints, mild cognitive impairment, cellulitis, brain metastases, atelectasis, MCAD deficiency, lymphoma, sepsis, cardiac rehabilitation and metabolic disorder among others.
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