In this Article

• What is is potassium?
• What are the causes of low potassium  (hypokalemia)?
• What are the symptoms of low potassium?
• How is low potassium diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for low potassium?
• How can low potassium be prevented?
• Patient Discussions: Low Potassium (Hypokalemia) - How Was Diagnosis Established
• Low Potassium (Hypokalemia) Glossary
• Low Potassium (Hypokalemia) Index

What are the symptoms of low potassium?

Potassium affects the way neuromuscular cells discharge energy (depolarize) and then regenerate (repolarize) that energy to be able to fire again. When potassium levels are low, the cells cannot repolarize and are unable to fire repeatedly, as is needed for the function of muscles and nerves. It is understandable then that the effects of low potassium include:

• muscle weakness,
  
  
• muscle aches, and
  
  
• muscle cramps.

Since the heart is also a muscle, there can be some changes in the electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) that are associated with hypokalemia, especially in the repolarization section of the EKG tracing. Palpitations (irregular heartbeats) may be perceived by the patient. In severe cases, hypokalemia can lead to dangerous disturbances in heart rhythm (arrhythmias).

How is low potassium diagnosed?

Hypokalemia is usually a secondary problem that is considered by the healthcare provider as part of the evaluation of the underlying disease. For example, patients with high blood pressure who are being treated with diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril) or furosemide (Lasix) often have their potassium levels monitored. Patients who present with vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration and weakness may have their electrolytes tested in order to determine whether body potassium losses may need to be replaced.

Blood tests and electrocardiograms are used to diagnose hypokalemia. Other testing may be done to define the underlying disease or illness that lead to the low potassium levels.

Low Potassium (Hypokalemia) - How Was Diagnosis Established

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