Electrolytes
Potassium
What This Marker Tells Us
Potassium is essential for heart rhythm, muscle contraction, nerve function, and cellular fluid balance.
Why It Matters
Potassium abnormalities can cause fatal heart arrhythmias, making this one of the most critical labs. Both high and low potassium disrupt electrical activity in the heart and nerves, causing muscle weakness, palpitations, and cardiac arrest. Kidneys tightly regulate potassium, so abnormalities often indicate kidney disease, hormonal disorders, or dangerous medication interactions. Even mild imbalances impair muscle function and heart health.
How to Interpret Your Trends
Low potassium (below 3.5 mEq/L) causes muscle weakness, cramps, heart palpitations, and dangerous arrhythmias. Typical potassium (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) ensures proper muscle, nerve, and heart function. High potassium (above 5.0 mEq/L) causes irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, and can lead to cardiac arrest. Both extremes require medical attention.
What Influences This Marker
Dietary potassium intake from fruits, vegetables, and dairy affects levels. Kidney disease impairs excretion, raising potassium. Certain blood pressure medications, NSAIDs, and diabetes medications affect regulation. Vomiting, diarrhea, and diuretics lower potassium. Adequate dietary intake, kidney health, and careful medication management maintain safe levels.
How Your Team Uses It
Your coach uses potassium to ensure cardiac and muscle safety, particularly with dietary changes or supplements. Abnormal values require immediate medical attention. It guides recommendations for potassium-rich foods and monitoring needs with certain dietary patterns or medications.
Related Signals We Also Review
Sodium, kidney function, blood pressure, heart rhythm, medications, and other electrolytes complete the potassium regulation assessment.