Low Potassium , a medical condition called hypokalemia
Low Potassium , a medical condition called hypokalemia
Low potassium levels (hypokalemia), can cause weakness as cellular processes are impaired.
Potassium is a mineral (electrolyte) in the body. Almost 98% of potassium is found inside the cells. Small changes in the level of potassium that is present outside the cells can have severe effects on the heart, nerves, and muscles.
Potassium is important to maintain several bodily functions:
•Muscles need potassium to contract.
•The heart muscle needs potassium to beat properly and regulate blood pressure.
The kidney is the main organ that controls the balance of potassium by removing excess potassium into the urine.
When potassium levels are low (hypokalemia), you can become weak as cellular processes are impaired.
•The normal potassium level is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L (mEq/L stand for milliequivalents per liter of blood and this is a measure used to evaluate the level). Low potassium is defined as a potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L.
•Almost one out of five people hospitalized in the United States has a low potassium level.
•People with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia, patients with AIDS, alcoholics, and those who have had bariatric surgery have a higher incidence of hypokalemia than others.
Low potassium levels (hypokalemia), can cause weakness as cellular processes are impaired.
Potassium is a mineral (electrolyte) in the body. Almost 98% of potassium is found inside the cells. Small changes in the level of potassium that is present outside the cells can have severe effects on the heart, nerves, and muscles.
Potassium is important to maintain several bodily functions:
•Muscles need potassium to contract.
•The heart muscle needs potassium to beat properly and regulate blood pressure.
The kidney is the main organ that controls the balance of potassium by removing excess potassium into the urine.
When potassium levels are low (hypokalemia), you can become weak as cellular processes are impaired.
•The normal potassium level is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L (mEq/L stand for milliequivalents per liter of blood and this is a measure used to evaluate the level). Low potassium is defined as a potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L.
•Almost one out of five people hospitalized in the United States has a low potassium level.
•People with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia, patients with AIDS, alcoholics, and those who have had bariatric surgery have a higher incidence of hypokalemia than others.
Low Potassium Symptoms
Usually symptoms of low potassium are mild. At times the effects of low potassium can be vague. There may be more than one symptom involving the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, kidneys, muscles, heart, and nerves.
•Weakness, tiredness, or cramping in arm or leg muscles, sometimes severe enough to cause inability to move arms or legs due to weakness (much like a paralysis)
•Tingling or numbness
•Nausea or vomiting
•Abdominal cramping, bloating
•Constipation
•Palpitations (feeling your heart beat irregularly)
•Passing large amounts of urine or feeling very thirsty most of the time
•Fainting due to low blood pressure
•Abnormal psychological behavior: depression, psychosis, delirium, confusion, or hallucinations.
Low Potassium Treatment
Low Potassium Self-Care at Home
If you are monitoring low potassium levels, avoid long, strenuous physical activities because loss of potassium that occurs with sweating.
If dietary supplements, herbal supplements, diuretics (water pills), or laxatives are causing the low potassium symptoms, avoid taking these products and consult a doctor. Never stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting your doctor.
Low Potassium Self-Care at Home
If you are monitoring low potassium levels, avoid long, strenuous physical activities because loss of potassium that occurs with sweating.
If dietary supplements, herbal supplements, diuretics (water pills), or laxatives are causing the low potassium symptoms, avoid taking these products and consult a doctor. Never stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting your doctor.
Low Potassium Prevention
A change in diet may be recommended if the patient is likely to develop low potassium levels. Examples of foods high in potassium include:
•bananas,
•tomatoes,
•oranges,
•cantaloupes, and
•peaches.
Do not overuse diuretics (water pills), and never use someone else's medicines.
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