What are the functions of potassium ions?

Potassium is one of the primary minerals of the body which are crucial for both electrical and cellular functions. Potassium regulates the water balance and acid-base balance in the blood and tissues. Additionally, it plays a role in the transmission of electrical impulses in the heart. The active transport of potassium into and out of cells is also essential to cardiovascular and nerve function. A diet high in potassium helps to negate the harmful effect that sodium has on blood pressure. Potassium also has an important role in maintaining resting membrane potential. The resting membrane potential is generated by the K+ leaks from inside of the cell to the outside via leak K+ channels. This generates a negative charge inside of the membrane vs the outside.