ElectrolytesReported in mmol/LPotassium
The main electrolyte inside cells. The blood level has to stay in a narrow band for the heart and muscles to work safely.
What it measures
Almost all potassium lives inside cells. The blood value is a thin slice of the total, and it is tightly regulated by the kidneys and by hormones such as aldosterone and insulin. A difficult blood draw can release potassium from broken cells and push the result up falsely. That artifact is common enough that an unexpected high is often repeated.
Why it is on the panel
Both a high and a low potassium can disturb heart rhythm. Many common medicines — water pills, ACE inhibitors, and some blood pressure pills — move this number on purpose or as a side effect. A preventive panel is often how people find out a medicine has nudged it.
How to read it
Look at creatinine and sodium alongside it. Kidney function sets the ceiling on how much potassium you can clear. Magnesium deficiency makes a low potassium hard to correct, so the magnesium on this panel is part of the same story.
When it runs higher
Reduced kidney function, potassium-sparing medicines, ACE inhibitors, potassium supplements, and a clenched fist or hemolyzed sample during the draw can raise it. A truly high potassium with weakness or palpitations needs prompt advice. A lone mild elevation is often redrawn first.
When it runs lower
Diuretics, vomiting, diarrhea, low magnesium, and high aldosterone lower it. Mild hypokalemia may have no symptom. Lower levels cause cramps, weakness, and rhythm changes.
Same group
Other Electrolytes tests
How to use this page
This page explains what the measurement is for. It is educational. Your Healiam report includes the reference interval for your age and sex, and a clinician reads that result with your history, medicines, and the rest of the panel. Talk with a clinician before changing diet, supplements, or treatment because of a number on a report.
Potassium
Potassium is part of the full panel.
No referral or insurance required.
One preventive draw covers this measurement and the rest of the Healiam panel. CLIA-certified results come back in days.