Low blood potassium
Potassium - low; Low blood potassium; HypokalemiaLow blood 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 an electrolyte (mineral). It 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.
Electrolyte
Electrolytes are minerals in your blood and other body fluids that carry an electric charge. Electrolytes affect how your body functions in many ways...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleCommon causes of low blood potassium include:
- Medicines, such as diuretics (water pills), certain antibiotics (amphotericin B, chloroquine at toxic levels)
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Eating disorders (such as bulimia)
Bulimia
Bulimia is an eating disorder in which a person has regular episodes of eating a very large amount of food (bingeing) during which the person feels a...
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- Laxative overuse, which can cause diarrhea
- Chronic kidney disease
- Low magnesium level
Low magnesium level
Magnesium deficiency is a condition in which the amount of magnesium in the blood is lower than normal. The medical name of this condition is hypoma...
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- Genetic disorders, such as hypokalemic periodic paralysis, Bartter syndrome
Hypokalemic periodic paralysis
Hypokalemic periodic paralysis (hypoPP) is a disorder that causes occasional episodes of muscle weakness and sometimes a lower than normal level of p...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleBartter syndrome
Bartter syndrome is a group of rare conditions that affect the kidneys.
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Symptoms
A small drop in the blood potassium level often does not cause symptoms or causes mild to moderate symptoms, which 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 the blood 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 blood 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...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleExams and Tests
Your health care provider will order a blood test to check your potassium level. Normal range is 3.7 to 5.2 mEq/L (3.7 to 5.2 mmol/L).
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 ...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleOther blood tests may be ordered to check levels of:
- Glucose, magnesium, calcium, sodium, phosphorous
Glucose, magnesium, calcium, sodium, ph...
A comprehensive metabolic panel is a group of blood tests. They provide an overall picture of your body's chemical balance and metabolism. Metaboli...
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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 the blood potassium level can lead to serious heart rhythm problems that can be fatal.
Possible Complications
In severe cases, life-threatening paralysis may develop, such as with hypokalemic periodic paralysis.
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. Disorders of potassium balance. In: Yu ASL, Chertow GM, Luyckx VA, Marsden PA, Skorecki K, Taal MW, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 17.
Seifter JL. Potassium disorders. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 109.
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
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Review Date: 6/12/2023
Reviewed By: Jacob Berman, MD, MPH, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.