Types Of Electrolyte Disorders

Hypokalemia And Hyperkalemia

Hypokalemia and hyperkalemia are disorders of potassium levels in the body. Imperative nerve and muscle cells utilize potassium to function normally, including those in the lungs and in the heart. Levels of potassium in the blood over 5.0 mEq/L indicate hyperkalemia. This can occur as a result of hemolysis or red blood cell breakdown, burns, major tissue injuries, trauma, uncontrolled diabetes, and rhabdomyolysis. When hyperkalemia goes untreated, life-threatening heart rhythm abnormalities or arrhythmias can cause ventricular fibrillation, resulting in cardiac arrest and most often death. Levels of potassium in the blood under 3.5 mEq/L indicate hypokalemia. The potential causes of hypokalemia are excessive vomiting, diarrhea, kidney or adrenal gland failure, diuretic use, excessive alcohol consumption, and ketoacidosis. When the muscles do not get enough potassium, they cannot perform their normal cellular functions, resulting in paralysis of the lungs and bradycardia or abnormally slow rhythm of the heart. If hypokalemia goes untreated it can cause kidney failure, paralysis of the muscles, cardiovascular collapse, and respiratory failure.

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