Potassium was discovered in 1807 by Sir Humphry Davy in 1807 in England. He discovered potassium by means of electrolysis from potash. It was the first alkali metal to be discovered.<unk>  develops when blood potassium levels are more than 5.1meq/L.<unk>  can be classified based on the potassium levels, duration of onset and the cause of<unk> . Potassium is the most abundant intracellular cation and is critically important for many physiologic processes.<unk>  can be caused by reasons that include increased uptake, extracellular shift, tissue breakdown and impaired excretion from the body. The incidence of<unk>  is approximately 11000 per 100,000 individuals in hospitalized and 1000-2000 per 100,000 of outpatients.The exact prevalence of<unk>  is unknown. Extreme degrees of<unk>  are considered a medical emergency. If left untreated<unk>  can cause cardiac rhythm disorders and eventually cardiac arrest leading to death.<unk>  can be asymptomatic, or present with irregular heartbeat, nausea, slow, weak, or absent pulse. Serum potassium is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of<unk> . When arrhythmias occur, or when potassium levels exceed 6.5 mmol/l, emergency lowering of potassium levels is mandated. Several agents are used to lower potassium levels.
Hyperkalemia
Alkalosis
Hyponatremia
Hypernatremia
Hypokalemia
Hypouricemia
Azotemia
Hypermagnesemia