Why is it bad to have an increase in K ions in the extracellualr fluid

Question

Why is it bad to have an increase in K ions in the extracellualr fluid

Answer 1

Here are some links to help you get the answer

1. this link discusses overall idea of potassium balance within the body.....

http://www.uhmc.sunysb.edu/internalmed/n...

Increased level of potassium ions in the extracellular fluid ( e.g. plasma) may have a plenty of consequences. Yes , it is bad ....why?

This link gathers enough explanation......

To point out a few of them-

1. causes increase in insulin level

2. aldosteron secretion is also affected and it has further consequences

3. pH of blood decreases

5. affects Na-K channel or pump

6. urinary sodium concentration is affected

7. causes increase urinary flow rate which ultimately K+ excretion

And many other things.

http://www.uhmc.sunysb.edu/internalmed/n...

Kindly click the link to read all details

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2. This following link has details of disorders caused  by destabilisation of potassium balance in the extra and intra cellular fluid......

http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec12/ch...

Answer 2

K ions play a major roll in cell physiology. It is involved in action potential , molecular transport and many others.

It needs to be at specific level to establish homeostasis  balance. In summery, if there is  high concentration of K ion out side  of the cell, it would try to influx into the cell, which  may cause malfunction. Examples:it might negatively  alter the blood pressure and cellular  communications, ie, muscle and nerve cells.