What is Potassium (Potassium)?
Potassium is measured as part of a electrolytes panel. Your potassium is in a healthy range — important for normal heart and muscle function.
What does a high Potassium mean?
Your potassium is elevated (hyperkalemia). This can affect heart rhythm. Causes include kidney disease, certain medications, or excessive potassium intake.
If markedly elevated: Critically high potassium can cause life-threatening heart arrhythmias. Seek immediate medical care.
What does a low Potassium mean?
Your potassium is low (hypokalemia). This can cause muscle weakness, cramps, fatigue, and heart palpitations. Often caused by diarrhea, vomiting, or certain diuretics.
If markedly low: Critically low potassium can cause dangerous heart rhythm abnormalities. This is a medical emergency.
Understand your whole report, not just one number
A single value rarely tells the full story — Potassium is best read alongside the rest of your panel. Paste your values or upload your report and get a plain-English explanation of every marker, with the important results flagged.