Potassium bicarbonate is a potassium supplement for people who have conditions resulting in abnormally low serum potassium levels, or hypokalemia. In addition to using potassium bicarbonate to treat hypokalemia and its potentially dangerous symptoms, doctors prescribe potassium bicarbonate for its potential preventive effects against several other adverse health conditions.
Causes of Hypokalemia
If you have an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa, it increases your risk of developing hypokalemia. Any disorder that alters your kidney function also increases your risk. Certain potassium-wasting diuretics can cause your body to excrete more potassium than you can adequately replace through diet. Also, if you experience chronic vomiting or diarrhea, you are likely to develop an electrolyte imbalance. Laxative abuse, alcoholism and congestive heart failure also put you at risk for low serum potassium levels.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hypokalemia for which doctors prescribe potassium bicarbonate include constipation, fatigue, weakness and muscle cramping. If there is no intervention for these symptoms, untreated hypokalemia leads to muscle-fiber breakdown and possibly paralysis. Particularly if you have heart disease, potassium deficiency can lead to a dangerously abnormal heart rate or rhythm.
Disease Prevention
If you have, or you are at risk of developing, high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe potassium bicarbonate. There is a positive correlation between a healthy serum potassium level and healthy blood pressure. For otherwise healthy individuals, a potassium-rich diet is one common intervention for hypertension, but if your diet is not sufficient, your doctor may suggest a potassium bicarbonate supplement. An adequate potassium level may also decrease your stroke risk, as well as protect you from developing osteoporosis and kidney stones.
Potassium Toxicity
If she prescribes potassium bicarbonate, your doctor will monitor your serum potassium closely and at regular intervals, as too much blood potassium -- or hyperkalemia -- can lead to symptoms as severe as too little. Hyperkalemia symptoms include muscle weakness, a tingling sensation in your hands and feet and possibly paralysis. If left unchecked, hyperkalemia can result in a serious heart arrhythmia and cardiac arrest.
Member Comments