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Hyperkalaemia and hypokalaemia are two opposite problems with potassium balance. Potassium is an important electrolyte that helps muscles contract, nerves conduct, and heartbeatsstay steady. Hyperkalaemia happens when the potassium level in the blood is higher than 5.0 mEq/L. This imbalance can happen because of kidney failure, some drugs (such as ACE inhibitors or potassium-sparing diuretics), or too much potassium in the diet. Clinical signs may encompass muscle weakness, tiredness, and potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias, identifiable via ECG alterations such as peaked T waves or enlarged QRS complexes. The goal of treatment is to stabilise the membranes around the heart (calcium gluconate), move potassium into cells (insulin-glucose therapy), and acquire rid of extra potassium (diuretics, dialysis).

On the other hand, hypokalaemia is when potassium levels are less than 3.5 mEq/L. This is often caused by taking diuretics, throwing up, having diarrhoea, or having an endocrine disease, such as hyperaldosteronism. Symptoms include muscle cramps, tiredness, constipation, and, in severe cases, heart arrhythmias. ECG may show T waves and U waves that are flat. Management entails potassium replenishment by oral or intravenous routes, coupled with the rectification of the underlying aetiology.

It is critical to keep the right amount of potassium in the body since both hyperkalaemia and hypokalaemia can cause major heart problems that might even kill you if they are not found and treated right away.