Potassium
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Potassium
Potassium is a mineral in the body that helps maintain fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction, as well as the proper transmission of electrical impulses in the heart. Potatoes and bananas are especially good sources of potassium, which also is found in many meats, milks, fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Both low and high potassium levels can disrupt the normal electrical impulses in the heart, leading to irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).
Credits
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
| Last updated: | May 25, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman |
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