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Doctor's Assessment Included

Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Minerals

Potassium levels: what do they tell you about your electrolyte balance?

Potassium is lost through sweat and is critical for muscle contraction and heart function during exercise. Monitoring helps prevent cramping and maintain performance.

Reference Ranges

Male
mmol/l
Low 3.5 Normal 5 High
Female
mmol/l
Low 3.5 Normal 5 High

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

What It Measures

This test measures the level of potassium in your blood. Even small changes in potassium levels can significantly affect heart rhythm and muscle function.

Why It Matters

Potassium is critical for maintaining heart rhythm, blood pressure regulation, and proper muscle function. Both low and high levels can be dangerous and may require medical attention. Consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.

When to Test

Testing may be recommended as part of routine health screening, if you take blood pressure medications, have kidney disease, or experience symptoms such as muscle weakness or heart palpitations.

Symptoms

Low Levels

Symptoms of low potassium may include muscle weakness, cramps, fatigue, constipation, and heart rhythm irregularities. Severe deficiency can be life-threatening.

High Levels

High potassium may cause muscle weakness, tingling, nausea, and dangerous heart rhythm disturbances. It requires prompt medical evaluation, especially in those with kidney disease.

Lifestyle Tips

Include potassium-rich foods such as bananas, potatoes, spinach, avocados, and beans in your diet. If you take medications that affect potassium, work with your healthcare provider on monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is potassium important for the heart?
Potassium helps regulate the electrical signals that control heartbeat. Both too little and too much potassium can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems.
Can medications affect potassium levels?
Yes, certain blood pressure medications, diuretics, and other drugs can raise or lower potassium. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take.
What is the best food source of potassium?
Bananas are well-known, but potatoes, beans, spinach, avocados, and yoghurt are also excellent sources. A varied diet typically provides adequate potassium.