kaliumbalance

kaliumbalance, or potassium balance, is the physiological process that maintains the concentration of potassium ions in the body's fluids and cells within a narrow range. potassium is the main intracellular cation and is essential for functions including nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and cardiac rhythm. because most potassium resides inside cells, extracellular potassium levels reflect both total body potassium and distribution between compartments, making serum measurements an imperfect proxy for total potassium stores.

regulation is dominated by the kidneys, which adjust urinary potassium excretion in response to dietary intake, hydration, and hormonal cues. the Na+/K+-ATPase pump moves potassium into cells, while aldosterone promotes potassium secretion in the distal nephron. insulin and beta-adrenergic activity also shift potassium into cells. dietary intake of potassium, roughly a few grams per day, is balanced by losses in urine, feces, and sweat. acid–base status and certain medications can influence distribution between compartments, temporarily changing serum potassium without altering total body content.

disturbances: hypokalemia and hyperkalemia. hypokalemia (low serum potassium) can result from diarrhea, certain diuretics, vomiting, or insufficient intake, and may cause muscle weakness and arrhythmias. hyperkalemia (high serum potassium) can occur with kidney failure, tissue breakdown, acidosis, or certain drugs and may threaten cardiac conduction. diagnosis relies on measurement of serum potassium, while recognizing that serum levels may not reflect total body potassium stores.

management generally focuses on correcting the underlying cause, adjusting potassium intake, and monitoring. in hypokalemia, potassium supplementation is used; in hyperkalemia, measures to decrease potassium levels or stabilize cardiac membranes may be employed. magnesium deficiency should be treated if present, as it can affect potassium handling. kaliumbalance is a core concept in physiology, clinical medicine, and nutrition.