| Further Information: | Potassium (K+) plays an important role in maintaining the body's normal osmotic pressure and acid-base balance. In addition, potassium participates in sugar and protein metabolism, and ensures the normal function of neuromuscular. When serum potassium is higher than 5.5 mmol/L, it is called hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can increase nerve and muscle irritability and reduce myocardial irritability which can lead to bradycardia. When serum potassium exceeds 10 mmol/L, ventricular fibrillation may occurs and even the heart stops beating during diastole. When serum potassium is lower than 3.5 mmol/L, it is called hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness (even muscle flaccid paralysis) and increase myocardial irritability. In this case, tachycardia and arrhythmia may occur, even the heart stops beating during systole. Therefore, serum potassium is a commonly used biochemical indicator. |
