Electrolytes
Potassium
Also known as: K
What it means
Essential for nerve signals and heart rhythm. Both very high and very low potassium can cause dangerous heart rhythm changes.
Typical normal range
3.5–5.0 mmol/L
Reference ranges vary by lab, age, sex, and pregnancy. Always check the range on your own report.
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Related terms in Electrolytes
Sodium
Main salt in your blood. Regulates fluid balance and blood pressure. Abnormal levels usually reflect hydration or kidney issues.
Calcium
Needed for bones, muscle contraction, and blood clotting. Blood calcium is tightly regulated — abnormal levels are a red flag.
Chloride
Works alongside sodium to balance fluids and acid-base status. Usually moves together with sodium.
Sources & Standards
The plain-language explanations above draw on published standards from the following bodies. Reference ranges and thresholds vary slightly by lab and demographic — always check the range on your own report and follow your doctor's interpretation.
- World Health Organization (WHO)
Global public-health authority
Global reference ranges and disease classifications.
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
India's apex biomedical research body
India-specific clinical guidelines and reference values.
- National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)
India's lab-accreditation authority
Reference-range framework used by accredited Indian labs.
- NIH / MedlinePlus
US National Institutes of Health patient-education arm
Plain-language descriptions of tests, conditions, and medicines.
AI can be wrong. Explanations here are for comprehension only — confirm every decision with your doctor.
This is a plain-language explanation for patients, not clinical advice. AI can be wrong. Always confirm with your doctor.