Potassium is a natural component of the human body. It is an important mineral that the body needs to regulate the water balance and to transmit signals from nerve cells and muscle cells. Potassium also has a great influence on the heart and is involved in a regular heart rhythm. Potassium is found in the … Detect potassium deficiency
Recognize symptoms A potassium deficiency initially manifests itself with very general signs. It can manifest itself in various ways, but often a potassium deficiency can be inferred from a combination of different aspects. Initially, a potassium deficiency manifests itself through tiredness. Dizziness and headaches can also occur. Nausea and constipation can also occur, as potassium … Recognize symptoms | Detect potassium deficiency
Potassium deficiency in diseases Since potassium is involved in the function of many systems in the body, special attention must be paid to the potassium level in various diseases in order to be able to recognize a possible potassium deficiency in time. Particularly in the case of basic kidney diseases, it is important to have … Potassium deficiency in diseases | Detect potassium deficiency
Definition Hypokalemia is the condition when there is too little (lat. “hypo”) potassium in the blood (lat. “-emia”). Potassium is a metal from the periodic table, which occurs in the blood along with some other metals. Potassium is present throughout the body inside and outside of every cell and, together with sodium and calcium and … Hypokalemia
Therapy A permanent disturbance of the potassium level must be avoided at all costs. Not only does the imbalance in many physical processes represent a restriction in everyday life, but it can also cause life-threatening situations, especially in connection with heart excitation, and cause lasting damage to the heart muscle. The cause of hypokalemia must … Therapy | Hypokalemia
Alkalosis Hypokalemia has metabolic effects on the organism. In particular, the electrolyte concentrations and the pH value of the blood change. If the potassium concentration in the blood is too low, the organism activates compensation mechanisms to stabilize the concentration, as the serum potassium must be kept within a narrow concentration range to prevent cardiac … Alkalosis | Hypokalemia
Definition Hyperkalemia occurs when the potassium level in the blood exceeds a certain level. If the potassium concentration in the blood serum exceeds 5 mmol/l, this is called excess in adults. The threshold value in children is 5.4 mmol/l. Normally, the majority of potassium is found inside the cell. Only about two percent circulate in … Hyperkalemia
Guidelines in emergency medicine In emergency medical care, guidelines exist for the adequate diagnosis and treatment of electrolyte disorders caused by hyperkalemia. A separate guideline for hyperkalemia does not exist. However, it is mentioned in the context of other guidelines, for example in the case of arterial hypertension. In clinical diagnostics, the determination of electrolytes, … Guidelines in emergency medicine | Hyperkalemia
ACE inhibitors ACE inhibitors are mainly used in the therapy of arterial hypertension, i.e. increased blood pressure. One consequence is based on the inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which causes less aldosterone to be released. In less than 10% of cases, this causes an increase in serum potassium, i.e. hyperkalemia. This side effect does … ACE inhibitors | Hyperkalemia
