Potassium (K+) is one of the most important ion present in the
human body and involved in numerous physiological activities. It mainly
affects heart and
skeletal muscle but the effects are not confined to theses organs only. The article precisely focuses on the explaining the physiological as well as pathological aspects of
potassium on cardiac
tissue. This article tends to explain The cause of difference in extra cellular and Intra cellular concentration of
potassium when
potassium channels are open in resting conditions, why are
Purkinje fibers and
ectopic tissue are more sensitive to effect of
potassium, mechanisms responsible for increased
action potential duration by
hypokalemia and decreased
action potential duration by
hyperkalemia.
Hypokalemia generates ectopic activities and
hyperkalemia inhibits them,
therapeutic effects of
potassium administration without causing
hyperkalemia. These issues
will be discussed and try to be explained with the help of Ohm’s
law , Nernst equation and Nernst potential to sort out the complicated actions of
potassium on cardiac
tissue in a simplified manner. The primary aim of article is to improve
understanding of
potassium physiology by medical graduates, secondarily, convey message regarding improvement in
teaching methodology in
Pharmacology for the benefit of new
generations.