LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Potassium: Muscles
built 615 days ago
Potassium is a mineral that helps regulate fluids and mineral balance and is needed for muscle contractions and transmission of nerve impulses. It ... helps regulate blood pressure; an important role considering one in five Americans is living with hypertension.
Source:
Potassium, a necessary electrolyte, facilitates nerve impulse conduction andthe contraction of skeletal and smooth muscles, including the heart. It alsofacilitates cell membrane function and proper enzyme activity. Levels must bekept in a proper (homeostatic) balance for the maintenance of health. The normal concentration of potassium in the serum is in the range of 3.5 to 5.0 mM. Hyperkalemia refers to serum or plasma levels of potassium ions above 5.0 mM. Hypokalemia means serum or plasma levels of potassium ions that fall below3.5 mM. The concentration of potassium is often expressed in units of milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L), rather than in units of millimolarity (mM). Both units mean the same thing when applied to concentrations of potassium ions.
Source:
Potassium deficiency symptoms include irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness and mood changes, as well as nausea and vomiting. People with kidney disease, gastrointestinal disease and those who take diuretics may have lower levels of potassium.
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Muscles