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Potassium (K⁺)

14 Azn
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Potassium is the primary intracellular cation. It regulates intracellular osmotic pressure, stimulates glycolysis enzyme activity, participates in protein metabolism, and plays a vital role in generating action potentials in nerve and muscle cells. It also has immunomodulatory properties.

The concentration of potassium in blood plasma depends on the balance between its intake and excretion. The body does not store potassium, so any changes in intracellular levels are reflected in the plasma. Potassium uptake by cells is stimulated by insulin and enhanced by catecholamines and aldosterone. Changes in blood pH also affect potassium levels within cells.

  • Blood sample is taken from a vein.
  • Fasting for 8–14 hours is required before the test.
  • The test is recommended to be conducted between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
  • Avoid consuming excessive amounts of food prior to the test.
  • Assessment of kidney function
  • Cardiovascular pathologies
  • Heart arrhythmias, arterial hypertension
  • Adrenal insufficiency
  • Monitoring potassium levels during diuretic or cardiac glycoside therapy

Elevated Potassium Levels (Hyperkalemia):

  1. Excess Potassium in the Body

    • Increased potassium intake or insufficient excretion.

  2. Release of K⁺ from Cells into Extracellular Fluid

    • Massive hemolysis
    • Rhabdomyolysis
    • Tumor lysis syndrome
    • Severe tissue damage (e.g., deep burns)
    • Acidosis

  3. Reduced Potassium Excretion by the Kidneys

    • Acute kidney failure
    • Addison’s disease
    • Shock
    • Tissue ischemia

  4. Dehydration

  5. Medications

  • Amiloride
  • Spironolactone
  • Triamterene
  • Aminocaproic acid
  • Digoxin

Decreased Potassium Levels (Hypokalemia):

  1. Insufficient Potassium Intake

    • Chronic starvation
    • Low-potassium diet

  2. Potassium Loss from the Body

    • Frequent vomiting
    • Severe diarrhea
    • Intestinal adenomas
    • Intestinal fistulas

  3. Renal Potassium Loss

    • Renal tubular acidosis
    • Fanconi syndrome
    • Conn syndrome
    • Alkalosis

  4. Cystic Fibrosis

  5. Treatment of Megaloblastic Anemia

    • With vitamin B12 or folic acid

  6. Hypothermia

  7. Medications

    • Corticosteroids
    • Diuretics
    • Beta-blockers
    • Antibiotics

  8. Magnesium Deficiency

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