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.
A low potassium level can make muscles feel weak, cramp, twitch, or even become paralyzed, and abnormal heart rhythms may develop. The diagnosis is based on blood tests to measure the potassium level. Usually, eating foods rich in potassium or taking potassium supplements by mouth is all that is needed.
Potassium is a mineral and an electrolyte that the body requires to support key processes. It is one of the seven essential macrominerals and plays a role in the function of the kidneys. Having too much or too little potassium can result in complications that affect the kidneys.
Disease Overview
Hypokalemia is a metabolic imbalance characterized by extremely low potassium levels in the blood. It is a symptom of another disease or condition, or a side effect of diuretic drugs.
Hypokalemia and hyperkalemia are common electrolyte disorders caused by changes in potassium intake, altered excretion, or transcellular shifts. Diuretic use and gastrointestinal losses are common causes of hypokalemia, whereas kidney disease, hyperglycemia, and medication use are common causes of hyperkalemia.
What cancers cause low potassium? Anyone with cancer has a high risk for electrolyte imbalance, which include hypokalemia. Patients with breast, stomach, kidney, pancreatic, thyroid, prostate cancer, and so on can have low potassium as part of the condition's complications and the side effects of the treatment.
Low serum potassium level is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and its related metabolic disorders.
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.
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.
Treatment by potassium replacement intravenously is effective, and recovery occurs within 24 hours.
Since the kidneys are the major organs involved in potassium metabolism, any impairment of the kidneys that affects their ability to remove potassium from the blood will lead to hyperkalemia.
Low potassium levels can affect the muscles in the intestines, which can slow the passage of food and waste. This effect on the intestines can cause constipation and bloating.
Liver and muscles represent the major buffering system, partially mediated by insulin, in the distribution of potassium between intracellular and extracellular fluids.
If left untreated, severe hypokalemia can cause serious heart rhythm problems. In addition, life-threatening paralysis may occur. Be sure to follow up with your healthcare provider to ensure that your hypokalemia is treated appropriately. When you have hypokalemia, the amount of potassium in your blood is too low.
Antacids and insulin are additional medications that can interfere with potassium absorption. Certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and beta-blockers, can have the opposite effect and raise potassium levels.
Can I take the test at home? You can take a potassium test at home, either with a blood or urine sample. If using a 24-hour urine test, you will need to collect your urine wherever you are during the day. For blood tests, you often need to visit a local laboratory to have your sample collected.
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.
When you lack a particular vitamin or mineral, your system can be thrown off. In relation to potassium, low levels can cause mental fatigue, stress and anxiety. Eating a well balanced diet and incorporating whole, natural foods may help you get on track to overcoming your anxiety.
When it comes to sleep, the symptoms of a potassium deficiency are thought to play an indirect role in causing problems such as insomnia or sleep disruptions. Muscle cramps are one symptom that can have a real impact which makes sense when you think of how potassium helps to stimulate muscle contractions.
Studies have shown that potassium supplements may boost sleeping through the night, but good food sources are beans, leafy greens, avocados, baked potatoes, and to a lesser degree, bananas.