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Low potassium level
Potassium - low; Low blood potassium; Hypokalemia
Low potassium level is a condition in which the amount of potassium in the blood is lower than normal. The medical name of this condition is hypokalemia.
Causes
Potassium is needed for cells to function properly. You get potassium through food. The kidneys remove excess potassium through the urinary system to keep a proper balance of the mineral in the body.
Common causes of low potassium level include:
- Antibiotics
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Using too much laxative, which can cause diarrhea
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diuretic medicines (water pills), used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure
-
Eating disorders (such as
bulimia
)
Bulimia
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Low magnesium level
Low magnesium level
Low magnesium level is a condition in which the amount of magnesium in the blood is lower than normal. The medical name of this condition is hypomag...
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Symptoms
A small drop in potassium level often does not cause symptoms, which may be mild, and may include:
- Constipation
-
Feeling of skipped heart beats or
palpitations
Palpitations
Palpitations are feelings or sensations that your heart is pounding or racing. They can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck. You may:Have an unpl...
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- Muscle damage
- Muscle weakness or spasms
- Tingling or numbness
A large drop in potassium level may lead to abnormal heart rhythms , especially in people with heart disease. This can cause you to feel lightheaded or faint. A very low potassium level can even cause your heart to stop.
Abnormal heart rhythms
An arrhythmia is a disorder of the heart rate (pulse) or heart rhythm. The heart can beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregul...
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will order a blood test to check your potassium level .
Potassium level
This test measures the amount of potassium in the fluid portion (serum) of the blood. Potassium (K+) helps nerves and muscles communicate. It also ...
Other blood tests may be ordered to check levels of:
-
Glucose, magnesium, calcium, sodium, phosphorous
Glucose, magnesium, calcium, sodium, ph...
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Aldosterone
Aldosterone
The aldosterone blood test measures the level of the hormone aldosterone in blood. Aldosterone can also be measured using a urine test.
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An electrocardiogram (ECG) to check the heart may also be done.
Treatment
If your condition is mild, your provider will likely prescribe oral potassium pills. If your condition is severe, you may need to get potassium through a vein (IV).
If you need diuretics, your provider may:
- Switch you to a form that keeps potassium in the body. This type of diuretic is called potassium-sparing.
- Prescribe extra potassium for you to take every day.
Eating foods rich in potassium can help treat and prevent low level of potassium. These foods include:
- Avocados
- Baked potato
- Bananas
- Bran
- Carrots
- Cooked lean beef
- Milk
- Oranges
- Peanut butter
- Peas and beans
- Salmon
- Seaweed
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
- Wheat germ
Outlook (Prognosis)
Taking potassium supplements can usually correct the problem. In severe cases, without proper treatment, a severe drop in potassium level can lead to serious heart rhythm problems that can be fatal.
Possible Complications
In severe cases, life-threatening paralysis may develop. This is more common when there is too much thyroid hormone in the blood. This is called thyrotoxic periodic paralysis .
Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis
Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is a condition in which there are episodes of muscle weakness. It occurs in people who have high levels of thyroid hor...
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your provider right away if you have been vomiting or have had excessive diarrhea, or if you are taking diuretics and have symptoms of hypokalemia.
References
Mount DB, Zandi-Nejad K. Disorders of potassium balance. In: Taal MW, Chertow GM, Marsden PA, et al, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney . 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 17.
Seifter JL. Potassium disorders. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 117.
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Blood test - illustration
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.
Blood test
illustration
-
Blood test - illustration
Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.
Blood test
illustration
Review Date: 4/30/2015
Reviewed By: Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
