Overview
Hypokalemia is a condition in which the amount of potassium in the blood is lower than normal. Potassium is an essential electrolyte that plays a vital role in numerous bodily functions, including maintaining proper heart and muscle function, nerve conduction, and fluid balance. Treatment typically involves correcting potassium imbalances, addressing the underlying cause, and managing associated complications.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- muscle weakness
- fatigue, cramps
- palpitations
- constipation
which can escalate to severe arrhythmias, paralysis, or respiratory failure if severe (<2.5 mEq/Lis less than 2.5 mEq/L
Causes
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 (amphotericin B and chloroquine at toxic levels)
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Eating disorders (such as bulimia)
- Hyperaldosteronism
- Cushing syndrome
- Laxative overuse, which can cause diarrhea
- Chronic kidney disease
- Low magnesium level
- Sweating
- Genetic disorders, such as hypokalemic periodic paralysis, Bartter syndrome
Tests
Your health care provider will order a blood test to check your potassium level. The normal range is 3.5 to 5.1 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.1 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.
Complications
Severe hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening complications, including cardiac arrest, severe arrhythmias, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), and respiratory failure.
Treatment
If your condition is mild, your provider will likely prescribe potassium supplement 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 etc..
Taking potassium supplements can usually correct the problem. In severe cases, without proper treatment, a severe drop in the blood potassium level can lead to serious heart rhythm problems that can be fatal. In severe cases, life-threatening paralysis may develop, such as with hypokalemic periodic paralysis.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you suspect a low potassium level, consult a healthcare professional. further if you notice any major symptoms and require treatment abroad share your query via email query@gtsmeditour.com and get a medical opinion and treatment plan or you can whatsapp us at +91 9164822440









