Symptoms Of Low Potassium Levels In The Body – Low potassium levels can cause irregular heart rhythms, muscle weakness, and even paralysis. Here’s everything you want to know.

Potassium is an important electrolyte in the body and is responsible for the functioning of muscles, nerves and heart. Very low potassium levels are called hypokalemia and can lead to dangerous consequences because a person may even feel too weak to move, experience paralysis, fainting, or an irregular heart rhythm. Vomiting, diarrhea, or the use of laxatives can lead to low potassium levels, while some medications, such as diuretics, which are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, can also eliminate potassium along with excess sodium and water from the urine. (Also read: 5 amazing salt substitutes that reduce the risk of heart disease and add flavor to dishes)

Symptoms Of Low Potassium Levels In The Body

In hypokalemia, the amount of potassium in the blood is too low. Normal potassium levels range from 3.5 to 5.2 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.2 mmol/L). A value of less than 3 mEq/L (3 mmol/L) can be considered severe hypokalemia. While mild cases of hypokalemia are asymptomatic, medical attention should be sought if potassium levels are dangerously low.

Potassium Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment Options

“Low potassium, also known as hypokalemia, occurs when serum potassium levels fall below the normal range of 3.5-5 meq/L. Potassium is one of the main electrolytes in the body, which plays a direct role in the proper functioning of the heart muscle, skeletal muscles and intestinal function. Low potassium levels can lead to disturbances in these functions due to its role in the proper functioning of cells,” said Dr Kamal Verma, senior consultant, Department of Internal Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.

“A significant drop in potassium levels, especially in people with heart disease, can cause irregular heart rhythms. This may cause dizziness or fainting. Low potassium levels can even cause the heart to stop beating. Potassium is necessary to maintain the proper functioning of muscles, neurons and the heart. Potassium is also essential for a healthy digestive system and bone health. Potassium deficiency can impair these important body functions. Low levels of potassium in the body can cause irregular heart rhythm, muscle weakness and even paralysis over time,” Dr Puneet Bhuwania, Consultant Nephrologist and Transplant Physician at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road.

The signs and symptoms of low potassium depend on the severity of the hypokalemia. Mild cases are usually asymptomatic, i.e., with potassium levels of 3–3.5 meq/L, unless the patient is elderly or has another serious medical problem such as chronic kidney disease or heart failure. Symptoms usually appear when serum K levels fall below 3.0 meq/L.

Severe diarrhea, persistent or recurrent vomiting, excessive renal excretion, medications – diuretics (which are commonly used to treat hypertension and heart failure), use of excess laxatives for constipation.

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Potassium is an essential mineral known as an electrolyte. Electrolytes are responsible for maintaining the body’s ionic balance. Other electrolytes are sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, chloride. These electrolytes carry an electrical charge that governs the electrical activity of your health system. Potassium also helps muscles function properly. In fact, it plays a role in regulating blood pressure; a key role for a healthy heart.

Potassium deficiency is a type of condition called hypokalemia. The normal level of potassium in the human body should be in the range of 3.5-5.0 mmol/l. However, potassium deficiency can cause serious problems including muscle weakness, nerve disorders, heart problems, etc. The kidneys are an organ that is known to manage potassium balance by removing excess potassium in the urine.

Low Potassium (hypokalemia) Causes

These are the symptoms that people suffering from hypokalemia encounter. Hypokalemia can make you feel very unwell and cause several of the diseases discussed above. If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is always recommended to see a doctor. Consult a specialist and get answers to your questions! Share on Facebook Facebook Logo Share on Twitter Twitter Logo Share on LinkedIn LinkedIn Logo Copy URL to clipboard Share URL icons copied to clipboard

You’ve probably heard that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But what about a banana a day? Your body needs potassium to function. It is one of the minerals necessary for health. It helps regulate fluid balance in the body, maintains the body’s electrolyte system, lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke.

Too much potassium, called hyperkalemia, can cause weakness, fatigue, loss of muscle function and a slow heartbeat. Too little potassium, called hypokalemia, can cause muscle weakness, muscle twitching, heart palpitations and cramps – it can also lead to paralysis and respiratory failure.

Low potassium levels can cause serious health problems such as high blood pressure and kidney stones, so it’s important to know how to recognize the symptoms of low potassium levels and what may be causing it. Fortunately, you can often raise your potassium levels on your own through diet and supplementation. Here’s what you need to know.

Hypokalemia And Hyperkalemia

Low potassium is a blood potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L; below 2.5 mEq/l may be life-threatening. According to the 2018 Clinical Update, normal potassium levels for most people are usually between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq per liter (mEq/L). Anything above 5.0 mEq/L is considered high, and levels above 6.0 can be dangerous and may require immediate medical attention.

Most people do not go to the doctor because of low potassium levels or because they think they have hypokalemia. They are usually detected when blood tests are performed for symptoms of another disease, such as an adrenal gland disorder, or during routine laboratory tests, which are often necessary if you are taking diuretics.

Many people do not experience any symptoms of hypokalemia until it becomes severe and their potassium levels drop below 3.0 mEq/L.

Low potassium is not a disease in itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying condition or disease. If low potassium levels are detected, your doctor may recommend additional tests to determine the cause. Further blood tests may check levels of glucose, magnesium, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, thyroid hormones and aldosterone. Your doctor may also order an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check the electrical activity of your heart.

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It is also necessary to treat the underlying diseases or eliminate the cause. For example, if laxative abuse causes hypokalemia, then part of the treatment plan should be to address the physical or mental need for laxatives. If you need a diuretic, your doctor may discuss alternatives to keep potassium in your body (potassium-sparing diuretic) or may prescribe daily potassium supplements.

Although potassium is a nutrient we get from food, diet alone rarely causes hypokalemia. There are several possible causes of hypokalemia and some populations are at increased risk of deficiency. They include:

Very low potassium levels can cause more serious conditions, such as heart rhythm problems, and may cause the heart to stop.

In mild cases of hypokalemia, potassium levels may normalize within a few days after starting to increase potassium intake. Making sure you eat enough potassium-rich foods every day can help increase and maintain healthy potassium levels. According to the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), the recommended daily intake of potassium is:

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“The best way to quickly raise your potassium levels is to take potassium supplements, many of which are available over the counter,” says Linda Girgis, M.D., a board-certified family physician in private practice in South River, New Jersey. “Once levels reach normal levels, you may be able to stop taking supplements and maintain your potassium levels through diet.”

However, taking supplements can be risky. Potassium supplements may cause minor gastrointestinal side effects or very high potassium levels.

“Too high potassium levels can be just as dangerous as too low potassium levels. Either extreme can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and other problems, says Dr. Girgis. “When taking supplements, it is best to work with your doctor to monitor your potassium levels and make sure they are within a safe range.”

Over-the-counter supplements may not be enough if your potassium levels are extremely low. The FDA limits supplements to less than 100 mg of potassium, which is only a fraction of the recommended daily intake. Doctors may prescribe a stronger potassium supplement for patients with hypokalemia.

Symptoms And Treatment Of Potassium Deficiency(hypokalemia)

Figuring out what type of potassium supplement is best for you can be difficult. “Potassium chloride is most often used in people with potassium deficiency,” says Dr. Girgis. “Potassium phosphate is useful if the patient also has a phosphate deficiency. If you are prone to kidney stones, potassium citrate may be helpful because the citrate can attach to calcium in the urine, preventing crystals from forming. He recommends seeking medical advice before taking any supplements.

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