Hyperkalemia & Hypokalemia: Understanding Potassium Imbalance

Question
My future mother-in-law had taken lasix for swelling in her feet.  She went to the ER and they gave her IV potassium.  The next morning she took a potassium pill and called the clinic and they told her to get to the hospital.  My question is What happens when a person takes to much potassium?

Answer
Too little or too much potassium (K) can have untoward effects on the heart in so much as the cardiac rhythm.  There is a safe range and some acceptable low and high tolerances, but if they are extreme then it can be dangerous.

JP Saleeby, MD
www.saleeby.net