What is the pathophysiology of hypokalemia?
Hypokalemia is a potentially life-threatening imbalance that may be iatrogenically induced. Hypokalemia may result from inadequate potassium intake, increased potassium excretion, or a shift of potassium from the extracellular to the intracellular space. Increased excretion is the most common mechanism.
What causes low levels of potassium?
A low potassium level has many causes but usually results from vomiting, diarrhea, adrenal gland disorders, or use of diuretics. A low potassium level can make muscles feel weak, cramp, twitch, or even become paralyzed, and abnormal heart rhythms may develop.
What happens when potassium level is low in body?
A large drop in potassium level may lead to abnormal heart rhythms, especially in people with heart disease. This can cause you to feel lightheaded or faint. A very low potassium level can even cause your heart to stop.
What is the prognosis of hypokalemia?
Prognosis Hypokalemia refers to a lower than normal level of potassium found through a blood test. “Hypo” means “less than normal,” and the “kal” part of the word comes from “kalium,” (the Latin word for potassium). It can result from many different medical problems, including those affecting the kidney or gastrointestinal tract.
What are causes of hypokalemia?
Causes of hypokalemia include vomiting, diarrhea, medications like furosemide and steroids, dialysis, diabetes insipidus , hyperaldosteronism , hypomagnesemia , and not enough intake in the diet.
How do you treat hypokalemia?
In mild cases, treatment for hypokalemia usually involves taking potassium supplements by mouth. For those who suffer from hypokalemia because they need to take diuretic medication, a certain type of oral potassium supplement that keeps potassium in the body might be the best treatment option.
What to know about hypokalemia?
Definition Hypokalemia is a condition of below normal levels of potassium in the blood serum. Hypokalemia can result from two general causes: either from an overall depletion in the body’s potassium or from excessive uptake of potassium by muscle from surrounding fluids.