Low potassium—occurs when blood levels of potassium are lower than normal. Normal potassium values can vary somewhat from one lab to another. When a lab reports a potassium level, it will provide a reference range along with it. This is the normal range for potassium levels at that lab. Generally, a normal potassium level is between 3.6 and 5.2 mEq/L (the lab may express it as mmoles/L).

Potassium is an electrolyte and mineral you get from food in your diet. It plays an important role in nerve and muscle cell function. Like other muscles in your body, your heart muscle needs potassium to work properly. Low potassium levels can interfere with the heart and cause abnormal heart rhythms. Other hypokalemia symptoms include fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps, and constipation. Mild cases may not have any symptoms.

Common symptoms

Common symptoms of low potassium include:

• Constipation


• Fatigue


• Muscle weakness, cramps or twitches


• Numbness or tingling


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What is low potassium (hypokalemia)?

Hypokalemia—or low potassium—occurs when blood levels of potassium are lower than normal. Normal potassium values can vary somewhat from one lab to another. When a lab reports a potassium level, it will provide a reference range along with it. This is the normal range for potassium levels at that lab. Generally, a normal potassium level is between 3.6 and 5.2 mEq/L (the lab may express it as mmoles/L).

Potassium is an electrolyte and mineral you get from food in your diet. It plays an important role in nerve and muscle cell function. Like other muscles in your body, your heart muscle needs potassium to work properly. Low potassium levels can interfere with the heart and cause abnormal heart rhythms. Other hypokalemia symptoms include fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps, and constipation. Mild cases may not have any symptoms.

The most common cause of low potassium is excessive potassium loss through the urine or digestive tract. The risk of this increases for people on diuretics or with prolonged vomiting or diarrhea. Eating disorders and laxative overuse can also increase the risk of low potassium.

Hypokalemia treatment depends on the severity of the problem and the underlying cause. Mild depletions may only require a potassium-rich diet. Potassium supplements can help people who need more than they can get from diet alone. Very low potassium levels require immediate medical treatment with an IV (intravenous) potassium solution.

Low potassium usually shows up on a blood test. Doctors may order a potassium level as part of routine care or if you have an illness or take diuretics. When symptoms develop, it can become life threatening. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you develop heart palpitations, confusion, paralysis, excessive thirst or urination, or any other symptoms of low potassium.

What are the symptoms of low potassium?

Mild decreases in potassium levels usually do not cause any symptoms. When symptoms develop, they are nonspecific, meaning there can be several different causes of them.

• Common symptoms


• Common symptoms of low potassium include:


• Constipation


• Fatigue


• Muscle weakness, cramps or twitches


• Numbness or tingling

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

In severe cases, low potassium can be life threatening. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:

• Confusion or disorientation


• Excessive thirst or urination


• Heart palpitations or skipping heartbeats


• Lightheadedness or fainting


• Paralysis


• Slow breathing or difficulty breathing

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