Overview Of Hypokalemia
Low blood potassium level is a condition in which the amount of potassium in the blood is lower than normal. The medical name of this condition is Hypokalemia.
Commonly Associated With
Potassium – low; Low blood potassium
Causes Of Hypokalemia
Potassium is an electrolyte (mineral). It is needed for cells to function properly. You get potassium through food. The kidneys remove excess potassium through the urinary system to keep a proper balance of the mineral in the body.
Common causes of low blood potassium include:
- Medicines, such as diuretics (water pills), certain antibiotics
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Eating disorders (such as bulimia)
- Hyperaldosteronism
- Laxative overuse, which can cause diarrhea
- Chronic kidney disease
- Low magnesium level
- Sweating
- Genetic disorders, such as hypokalemic periodic paralysis, Bartter syndrome
Symptoms Of Hypokalemia
A small drop in potassium level often does not cause symptoms, which may be mild, and may include:
- Constipation
- Feeling of skipped heart beats or palpitations
- Fatigue
- Muscle damage
- Muscle weakness or spasms
- Tingling or numbness
- A large drop in potassium level may lead to abnormal heart rhythms, especially in people with heart disease. This can cause you to feel lightheaded or faint. A very low potassium level can even cause your heart to stop.
Exams & Tests
Your health care provider will check for hypokalemia by ordering a blood test to check your potassium level. Normal range is 3.7 to 5.2 mEq/L (3.7 to 5.2 mmol/L).
Other blood tests may be ordered to check levels of:
- Glucose, magnesium, calcium, sodium, phosphorous
- Thyroid hormone
- Aldosterone
- An electrocardiogram (ECG) to check the heart may also be done.
Treatment Of Hypokalemia
If your condition is mild, your provider will likely prescribe oral potassium pills. If your condition is severe, you may need to get potassium through a vein (IV).
If you need diuretics, your provider may:
- Switch you to a form that keeps potassium in the body. This type of diuretic is called potassium-sparing.
- Prescribe extra potassium for you to take every day.
Eating foods rich in potassium can help treat and prevent low level of potassium. These foods include:
- Avocados
- Baked potato
- Bananas
- Bran
- Carrots
- Cooked lean beef
- Milk
- Oranges
- Peanut butter
- Peas and beans
- Salmon
- Seaweed
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
- Wheat germ
