Low potassium level is a problem in which the amount of potassium in the blood is lower than normal. The medical name of this condition is hypokalemia.
Potassium – low; Low blood potassium; Hypokalemia
Potassium is needed for cells to function properly. You get potassium through food. The kidneys remove excess potassium in the urine to keep a proper balance of the mineral in the body.
Common causes of low potassium level include:
- 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) Low magnesium level
A small drop in potassium level often does not cause symptoms. Or symptoms may be mild and include:
- Abnormal heart rhythms (
dysrhythmias), especially in people with heart disease
- Feeling of skipped heart beats or
- Muscle damage
- Muscle weakness or spasms
- Tingling or numbness
A large drop in potassium level may slow your heartbeat. This can cause you to feel lightheaded or faint. A very low potassium level can even cause your heart to stop.
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will order a blood test to check your
Other blood tests may be ordered to check levels of:
Glucose, magnesium, calcium, sodium, phosphorous
- Thyroid hormone
If your condition is mild, your doctor 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, you doctor 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:
- Baked potato
- Cooked lean beef
- Peanut butter
- Peas and beans
- Wheat germ
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.
In severe cases, patients can develop paralysis that can be life-threatening. This is more common when there is too much thyroid hormone in the blood. This is called
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you have been vomiting or have had excessive diarrhea, or if you are taking diuretics and have symptoms of hypokalemia.
Eating a diet rich in potassium can help prevent hypokalemia. Foods high in potassium include:
Peas and beans