Hypokalemia is a medical condition in which blood levels of potassium are too low. This condition can be caused by several medical conditions or inadequate dietary intake of potassium. Because this condition can become life-threatening, it is important that a prompt diagnosis is made so that treatment can begin as quickly as possible.
Causes
Potassium levels usually drop below normal when too much potassium is excreted from the body. This can occur in cases of kidney failure, primary aldosteronism, vomiting, eating disorders and diarrhea. This loss of potassium can also be caused by the excessive use of laxatives or medications that increase fluid excretion. Rarely, potassium levels fall below normal because of a lack of potassium in the diet.
Signs & Symptoms
Some cases of hypokalemia cause no symptoms and are only discovered during routine blood tests. If potassium levels become very low, someone with hypokalemia may experience muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, abnormal heart rhythms, frequent urination, muscle twitching and constipation.
Diagnosis
Hypokalemia can be diagnosed with a simple blood test that checks the levels of potassium in the blood. This is known as a serum potassium test. During this test, a phlebotomist draws a blood sample from a vein in the arm. The sample is analyzed to determine a potassium level. If serum potassium is below 3.7 mmol/L (millimoles per liter), then hypokalemia is present. Hypokalemia can also be diagnosed with an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG). During this test, sticky pads are placed on the legs, arms and chest. Each pad is connected to a monitor with a thin wire, which records the electrical activity of the heart. The test results are reviewed by a physician, who can determine if low potassium is causing heart function abnormalities.
Treatment
Treatment for hypokalemia is based on the cause and severity of the condition. If low potassium is the result of excessive vomiting or diarrhea, a patient may be given electrolyte replacement fluids that contain potassium. If the hypokalemia is severe, it is treated with intravenous potassium in a hospital setting. Low potassium can also be treated with potassium supplements and increased dietary intake of potassium.
Prevention
Low potassium can be prevented by eating potassium-rich foods such as bananas, sweet potatoes, fresh vegetables, canned juices, strawberries, raisins, prunes, spinach, watermelon and oranges. If hypokalemia is caused by use of medications, a smaller dosage may be given or a change may be made to a different drug. For example, someone taking a loop or thiazide diuretic may be given a potassium-sparing diuretic if levels of potassium in the blood get too low.
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