Patient education: Hypokalemia (The Basics)

What is hypokalemia? — Hypokalemia is the medical term for having too little potassium in the blood.

Potassium is a mineral found in certain foods. The body needs potassium to work normally. It keeps the heart beating and helps the nerves and muscles work.

In people with hypokalemia, the body loses too much potassium. This can cause problems.

What causes hypokalemia? — Hypokalemia most often happens in people who have been vomiting or had diarrhea for a while. It can also happen in people taking medicines called "diuretics," such as hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide (brand name: Lasix).

Vomiting, diarrhea, and these medicines can cause the body to lose too much potassium.

What are the symptoms of hypokalemia? — The main symptom of hypokalemia is muscle weakness. The weakness usually starts in the legs and then spreads to the middle of the body and the arms. It can get so bad that you cannot move parts or all of your body. It can also damage muscles. In fact, it can even affect the muscles that control breathing. If this happens, it can make you stop breathing.

Hypokalemia can also:

●Cause an irregular heartbeat

●Disrupt the electrical signals that control the heart

●Affect how the kidneys work

Are there tests for hypokalemia? — Yes. If your doctor or nurse suspects that you have hypokalemia, they will do:

●Blood tests – These check how much potassium is in your blood.

●Urine tests – These can show much potassium you are losing in your urine.

You might also need other tests depending on your age, other symptoms, and individual situation.

How is hypokalemia treated? — Treatment usually involves taking potassium in pill form or through a thin tube that goes into a vein, called an "IV." Hypokalemia cannot usually be treated by getting extra potassium through your diet alone.

If your hypokalemia was caused by a medicine you take, your doctor or nurse might change your dose or switch you to a different medicine.

When should I call the doctor? — Call your doctor or nurse for advice if you have:

●Vomiting

●Diarrhea

●Irregular heartbeat

●Muscle cramping or twitching

●Weakness

●Trouble moving part of your body

More on this topic

Patient education: Periodic paralysis syndrome (The Basics)
Patient education: Hyperkalemia (The Basics)
Patient education: Hypomagnesemia (The Basics)
Patient education: High-potassium diet (The Basics)