{"id":12373,"date":"2023-03-28T12:20:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-28T12:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wockhardthospitals.com\/?p=9506"},"modified":"2023-03-28T12:20:00","modified_gmt":"2023-03-28T12:20:00","slug":"warning-signs-and-symptoms-of-dangerously-low-potassium-levels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wockhardthospitals.com\/international-patients\/nutrition\/warning-signs-and-symptoms-of-dangerously-low-potassium-levels\/","title":{"rendered":"Warning Signs and Symptoms of Dangerously Low Potassium Levels"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Potassium is an important electrolyte in the body and is responsible for the function of muscles, nerves, and the heart. Very low levels of potassium are called hypokalaemia and can lead to dangerous consequences as a person may even feel too weak to move their body, experience paralysis, faint, or experience irregular heart rhythms. Vomiting, diarrhea, or use of laxatives can lead to low potassium levels while certain medications like diuretics that are commonly used to treat high blood pressure can also eliminate potassium along with excess sodium and water from the urine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In hypokalemia, the amount of potassium in the blood is too low. The normal levels of potassium range from 3.5 to 5.2 mEq\/L (3.5 to 5.2 mmol\/L). Anything lower than 3 mEq\/L (3 mmol\/L) can be considered severe hypokalaemia. While mild cases of hypokalaemia are asymptomatic, in case of dangerously low levels of potassium, one must get medical attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Low Potassium Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Signs and symptoms of low potassium depend on the severity of hypokalaemia. Mild cases are usually asymptomatic i.e., when potassium is 3-3.5 meq\/l or unless the patient is either elderly or has other major medical problems like chronic kidney disease or heart failure. Symptoms usually appear once Serum K levels go below 3.0 meq\/l.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Bhuwania explains in detail the symptoms of hypokalaemia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n