From the Guidelines
Low potassium (hypokalemia) can cause various symptoms that range from mild to severe, including muscle weakness, muscle cramps, fatigue, and constipation, and can be diagnosed with a simple blood test, as defined by a potassium level of less than 3.5 mEq/L 1.
Symptoms of Hypokalemia
The symptoms of low potassium can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle cramps
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- Tingling or numbness, especially in the limbs In more severe cases, hypokalemia can cause:
- Paralysis
- Respiratory failure
- Life-threatening heart problems
- Psychological symptoms like confusion or mood changes
Importance of Potassium
Potassium is crucial for proper nerve and muscle function, including the muscles that control your heartbeat and breathing. It is essential to maintain healthy potassium levels to prevent these symptoms and potential complications, with a target serum potassium concentration of 4.0 to 5.0 mmol per liter range 1.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you experience symptoms of low potassium, especially muscle weakness or heart palpitations, seek medical attention promptly. Your doctor can diagnose low potassium with a simple blood test and may recommend dietary changes or supplements. Foods rich in potassium include bananas, oranges, potatoes, spinach, and avocados, which can help maintain healthy potassium levels. Close observation and follow-up are crucial in managing hypokalemia, and patient education and close supervision can reduce the likelihood of nonadherence and lead to early detection of changes in body weight or clinical status 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of Low Potassium
- Hypokalemia (potassium levels less than 3.5 mEq/L) can be asymptomatic, but common symptoms include:
- Severe hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac conduction disturbances and neuromuscular dysfunction 3, 4
- Symptoms are more common in older adults 2
- Other symptoms may include:
Causes of Low Potassium
- Decreased intake 4, 5
- Renal losses 4, 5
- Gastrointestinal losses 4, 5
- Transcellular shifts 4, 5
- Medication use, such as diuretics 2, 3, 5
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnosis is based on a combination of history, physical examination, laboratory, and electrocardiography findings 3, 4
- Treatment consists of oral or intravenous potassium replacement, depending on the severity of symptoms and potassium levels 2, 3, 4
- Underlying causes should be addressed and potassium levels replenished 4
- Urgent treatment is warranted for patients with severe or symptomatic hypokalemia, abrupt changes in potassium levels, electrocardiography changes, or certain comorbid conditions 3, 4