Common Causes
When should I seek immediate care?
- You cannot move your arm or leg.
- You have a fast or irregular heartbeat.
- You are too tired or weak to stand up.
Related Conditions
The Signs of Low Potassium:
- Weakness
- Heart Palpitations
- Fatigue
What are the signs of a low potassium level?
The dangers of low potassium in the blood
- High blood pressure. Potassium helps balance sodium levels in the body, and thus potassium deficiency leads to high blood pressure, especially in people who eat large amounts of sodium ...
- Irregular heartbeat. Ventricular tachycardia . ...
- Muscular paralysis. ...
- Breathing problems. ...
- High blood sugar. ...
- Stroke. ...
- Convulsive fits. ...
- Digoxin poisoning. ...
- Depression. ...
What problems can low potassium cause?
Low potassium side effects usually surface in form of various signs and symptoms of potassium deficiency, including weakness, irregular heartbeat, stomach disturbances and frequently occurring muscle cramps. The person also experiences excessive fatigue, constant thirst, dryness of skin, and recurring chills. As these signs of low potassium are ...
What are the dangers of low potassium levels?
What are the side effects of low potassium?
What are the side effects if your potassium is low?
SymptomsConstipation.Feeling of skipped heart beats or palpitations.Fatigue.Muscle damage.Muscle weakness or spasms.Tingling or numbness.
How can I raise my potassium level quickly?
Leafy greens, beans, nuts, dairy foods, and starchy vegetables like winter squash are rich sources.Dried fruits (raisins, apricots)Beans, lentils.Potatoes.Winter squash (acorn, butternut)Spinach, broccoli.Beet greens.Avocado.Bananas.More items...
What is the most common cause of low potassium?
Low potassium (hypokalemia) has many causes. The most common cause is excessive potassium loss in urine due to prescription medications that increase urination. Also known as water pills or diuretics, these types of medications are often prescribed for people who have high blood pressure or heart disease.
How do you fix low potassium?
If you have a mild case of hypokalemia, potassium supplements should help treat it. Make sure to continue eating a diet rich in potassium. If your case is more severe, potassium given through your vein should treat it. If left untreated, severe hypokalemia can cause serious heart rhythm problems.
What drink is high in potassium?
Fruit and vegetable juices Citrus juices seem to provide the most potassium ( 3 ). For example, 1 cup (240 mL) of 100% orange juice offers about 10% of the DV for potassium, while the same serving of grapefruit juice provides 9% of the DV ( 30 , 31 ).
What causes potassium levels to drop?
Typically, the potassium level becomes low because too much is lost from the digestive tract due to vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive laxative use. Sometimes too much potassium is excreted in urine, usually because of drugs that cause the kidneys to excrete excess sodium, water, and potassium (diuretics).
Can you be hospitalized for low potassium?
Someone who has hypokalemia and shows symptoms will need hospitalization. They will also require heart monitoring to make sure their heart rhythm is normal. Treating low potassium levels in the hospital requires a multi-step approach: 1.
Can drinking a lot of water lower potassium?
Excessive water consumption may lead to depletion of potassium, which is an essential nutrient. This may cause symptoms like leg pain, irritation, chest pain, et al.
What are the two causes of potassium deficiency?
Potassium deficiency, or Hypokalemia, is a condition in which a person does not get enough potassium for their body. It can be due to a poor diet or loss due to diarrhoea or vomiting. Potassium deficiency can result in medical conditions like high blood pressure, constipation, muscle weakness, and fatigue.
How long does it take to get your potassium levels up?
Usually, 60–80 mmol of supplements per day for a few days to weeks is sufficient for treating mild to moderate hypokalemia. That said, always follow the recommendations of your healthcare professional ( 1 , 19 ). In severe hypokalemia cases, intravenous (IV) treatment may be recommended.
How fast can a banana raise potassium?
Eating up to 2 servings of bananas caused marginal increases in plasma potassium concentration. The small increases in plasma potassium concentration occurred 30 to 60 minutes postingestion of bananas.
How quickly can you correct potassium?
Typical patients with hypokalemia have required a mean of 5 days for return of their serum potassium levels to normal (12,13).
How quickly do potassium levels change?
High potassium usually develops slowly over many weeks or months, and is most often mild. It can recur. For most people, the level of potassium in your blood should be between 3.5 and 5.0, depending on the laboratory that is used.
Why is potassium deficiency important for the digestive system?
Digestive problems have many causes, one of which may be potassium deficiency. Potassium helps relay signals from the brain to muscles located in the digestive system. These signals stimulate contractions that help the digestive system churn and propel food so it can be digested ( 8.
Why does potassium make you numb?
Potassium is important for healthy nerve function. Low blood levels of potassium can weaken nerve signals, which may result in tingling and numbness. While occasionally experiencing these symptoms is harmless, persistent tingles and numbness may be a sign of an underlying condition.
How many people with mental disorders have potassium deficiency?
For example, a study found that 20% of patients with mental disorders had a potassium deficiency ( 24 ).
What does it mean when your heart is palpitating?
This feeling is known as a heart palpitation and is commonly linked to stress or anxiety. However, heart palpitations can also be a sign of potassium deficiency ( 13 ).
Why does potassium cause breathing problems?
A severe potassium deficiency can cause breathing difficulties. This is because potassium helps relay signals that stimulate the lungs to contract and expand ( 20 ).
How do you know if you have a potassium deficiency?
Here are 8 signs and symptoms of potassium deficiency. 1. Weakness and Fatigue. Share on Pinterest. Weakness and fatigue are often the first signs of potassium deficiency. There are several ways that this mineral deficiency can cause weakness and fatigue. First, potassium helps regulate muscle contractions.
What is muscle cramp?
Muscle cramps are sudden, uncontrolled contractions of the muscles.
Why does potassium drop in urine?
Low potassium (hypokalemia) has many causes. The most common cause is excessive potassium loss in urine due to prescription medications that increase urination. Also known as water pills or diuretics, these types of medications are often prescribed for people who have high blood pressure or heart disease. Vomiting, diarrhea or both also can result ...
Why does potassium lose?
Causes of potassium loss include: Alcohol use (excessive) Chronic kidney disease. Diabetic ketoacidosis.
What causes low potassium levels?
Low potassium levels are most commonly caused by several episodes of vomiting and/or diarrhea. The condition can also be caused by diarrhea that results from laxative overuse (abuse). Other conditions that can cause low potassium include:
What to do if potassium is low?
For example, in case of loss of potassium through vomiting / diarrhea, IV fluids will be initiated to correct the dehydration and medications will be given to treat the cause of vomiting or diarrhea.
What is the name of the condition where the blood level is high?
Hyperkalemia is an abnormally high level of potassium in the blood. Hyperkalemia symptoms include nausea, fatigue, tingling sensations, or muscle weakness. Hyperkalemia may also cause no symptoms. Hyperkalemia treatment may include a low-potassium diet, medications, and intravenous glucose and insulin.
What causes increased urination?
Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm): If you have a heart problem or are on Digoxin medication, then you are more likely to get affected. Kidney problems: Persistent hypokalemia can cause problems in the functioning of your kidney. This may lead to increased urination. Respiratory failure.
Why is potassium important for the body?
Your body needs potassium to help your nerves, heart, and muscles function correctly. But high potassium levels can lead to health problems.
How to prevent potassium levels from getting low?
You can prevent potassium levels from getting low by consuming a diet that contains an adequate amount of potassium. After your hospital stay, your doctor may recommend eating rich sources of potassium that include: Beans.
What is the name of the disorder that causes an increase in blood pressure?
Liddle syndrome (a rare hereditary disorder that often begins in childhood and causes an increase in blood pressure) Bartter syndrome (a rare genetic disorder in which a defective kidney causes salt and potassium imbalance) Gitelman syndrome (a rare genetic kidney disorder that causes an imbalance of ions in the body)
Why is hypokalemia rare?
Hypokalemia rarely occurs as a result of dietary deficiencies because potassium is the most widely abundant nutrient found in food. The body becomes depleted of potassium from abnormal losses through dehydration, diuretics, malnutrition and prolonged vomiting and diarrhea. A routine blood test can detect hypokalemia.
What is potassium used for?
Potassium is a mineral and electrolyte that plays a significant role in the regulation of heartbeat, nerve impulses, muscular contractions and metabolism.
What happens if you have low potassium levels?
Low levels of potassium, also termed hypokalemia, alter the body's chemical structure and disturb fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance. Hypokalemia can be fatal and result in cardiac arrest and death.
What is the function of electrolytes?
Metabolism and Neuromuscular Function. Electrolytes carry a tiny electrical charge that facilitates the conduction of impulses in nerve cells. Nerve impulses generate contraction of the body's muscles including the heart.
Why do muscles need potassium?
Muscles also require potassium for movement of molecules in and out of cells and for carbohydrate storage as glycogen. When energy intake is insufficient, potassium assists with the breakdown of glycogen to provide glucose for the brain and nervous system.
What foods are good for hypokalemia?
Potassium is found in all fresh and unprocessed foods, particularly fruits and vegetables. Potatoes, winter squash, citrus, bananas, dried fruits green leafy vegetables and legumes provide significant sources of potassium. Whole-grain breads and cereals, milk, fish, nuts and seeds are also rich in potassium. Supplements may be indicated and should be prescribed by a physician due to the potential for toxicity. Potassium supplements come in liquid, powder, tablet and capsule form, and should be taken with a full glass of water or juice.
Can potassium supplements be taken with water?
Supplements may be indicated and should be prescribed by a physician due to the potential for toxicity. Potassium supplements come in liquid, powder, tablet and capsule form, and should be taken with a full glass of water or juice. av-override. ‒‒:‒‒. /.
What does having low potassium levels in your blood mean?
Low potassium levels in your blood is also called hypokalemia. Normal levels of potassium range from 3.5 mmol/L to 5.1 mmol/L in adults. (Reference ranges are not the exact same at every laboratory). Usually, levels under 2.5 mmol/L are considered to be very serious.
What does potassium do for your body?
Potassium levels are very important in keeping your muscles, nerves, and heart working well. Potassium, an electrolyte, is also important for digestive health and for bone health.
What is the treatment for low potassium levels?
Potassium supplements are generally prescribed for low potassium levels. If the situation is severe, potassium might be given as an intravenous (IV) solution. If there is a condition that causes the hypokalemia, such as low levels of magnesium or an overactive thyroid, the other condition must be treated also.
What foods provide potassium?
The following is a list of some, but not all, foods that provide potassium:
What are the symptoms of low potassium?
Mild cases of low potassium might not cause symptoms. More severe cases might cause: 1 Muscle twitches 2 Muscle cramps or weakness 3 Muscles that will not move (paralysis) 4 Abnormal heart rhythms 5 Kidney problems
Is potassium below 2.5 mmol/L dangerous?
Potassium levels below 2.5 mmol/L are considered to be serious. Low levels have many causes. Supplements and foods can provide potassium. Appointments & Access. Contact Us. Overview. Symptoms and Causes. Diagnosis and Tests. Management and Treatment.
Overview
Below normal blood potassium level.
Weakness and fatigue
Muscle weakness and cramps
Digestive problems
- Low potassium, or potassium deficiency, is when your blood potassium level is below 3.5 mmol …
Potassium is an essential mineral that has many roles in your body. For example, it helps regulate muscle contractions, maintain healthy nerve function, and regulate fluid balance ( 3 ). - Despite its importance, it’s estimated that most adults don’t meet their daily needs. This is likely …
Still, hypokalemia is rarely caused by dietary deficiency alone. It can be caused by a number of factors, including ( 1, 2, 5 ):
Abnormal heart beat
- Weakness and fatigue are often the first signs of potassium deficiency, for a few reasons.
First, potassium helps regulate muscle contractions. When blood potassium levels are low, your muscles produce weaker contractions ( 2 ). - Second, deficiency in this mineral may affect how your body uses nutrients in a way that can res…
For example, some evidence shows that a deficiency could impair insulin production. This can result in high blood sugar levels and less available glucose, which functions as energy for your cells ( 4 ).
Breathing difficulties
- Muscle cramps are sudden, uncontrolled contractions of the muscles. They can occur when blo…
Within skeletal muscle, potassium helps relay signals from your brain to stimulate contractions. It also helps end these contractions by leaving the muscle cells. When blood potassium levels are low, your brain cannot relay these signals as effectively ( 2, 8, 9 ). - This results in more prolonged contractions and is thought to contribute to muscle cramps. Cra…
In rare cases, severe hypokalemia can also cause rhabdomyolysis. This is a dangerous medical condition involving the breakdown of muscle tissue that releases damaging protein into the blood, potentially leading to organ damage ( 11 ).
Tingling and numbness
- While digestive problems have many causes, they may occur with severe hypokalemia.
Potassium helps relay signals from your brain to muscles located in the digestive system known as smooth muscle. These signals stimulate contractions that help your digestive system churn and propel food, so it can be digested ( 12, 13 ). - With low potassium levels, contractions in the digestive system may become weaker and slow t…
In particular, constipation is most associated with severe hypokalemia ( 2 ).
Polyuria (frequent urinatio
- Potassium also plays a vital role in maintaining healthy heart muscle contractions ( 14, 15 ).
This is because the flow of potassium in and out of heart cells helps regulate your heartbeat. Low blood potassium levels can alter this flow, resulting in abnormal heart rhythms known as heart arrhythmia ( 14, 15, 16 ). - Heart arrhythmias can also be a sign of a serious heart condition. If you notice any abnormal ch…
Potassium plays a key role in regulating your heart rate. If levels are too low, it may lead to an irregular heartbeat known as heart arrhythmia, which can be a sign of a serious heart condition.
High blood pressure
- A severe potassium deficiency can cause breathing difficulties.
Breathing requires multiple muscles, especially your diaphragm, to help the lungs inhale and exhale air. - When blood potassium levels are severely low, your lungs may not expand and contract properly…
Severe potassium deficiency may even stop the lungs from working, which is fatal ( 18 ).
Just one thing
- Though more common in people with high potassium, or hyperkalemia, those with potassium de…
This is known as paresthesia and usually occurs in the hands, arms, legs, and feet. - Potassium is important for healthy nerve function. Low blood levels can weaken nerve signals a…
While occasionally experiencing these symptoms is harmless — like if your foot falls asleep from lack of movement or sitting in an awkward position — persistent tingles and numbness may be a sign of an underlying condition.