Hypokalemia

What is Hypokalemia?

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​Hypokalemia means the potassium level in your blood is too low.  Potassium is an important electrolyte that helps nerves and muscles function properly, especially the muscles of the heart.  Because the kidneys help regulate potassium balance, problems with potassium can develop when the body loses too much potassium or is not able to maintain the right balance.  

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Common Symptoms

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Hypokalemia may be mild and sometimes cause no symptoms.  When symptoms do occur, they may include weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps or spasms, constipation or heart palpitations.  In more severe cases, hypokalemia can lead to severe muscle weakness, paralysis, and abnormal heart rhythms.

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Common Causes​

Hypokalemia can happen for many different reasons.  Common causes include vomiting, diarrhea, diuretic use, laxative use, and poor dietary intake.  It may also be related to certain medications, low magnesium levels, adrenal disorders, or some kidney conditions that cause the body to lose too much potassium. 

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How AKC Can Help

At Advanced Kidney care (AKC), we are specialists in evaluating and treating hypokalemia.  Our team works with you to identify the cause of your low potassium.  We treat the underlying cause to help restore potassium and guide potassium replacement safely, in order to reduce the risk of muscle and heart-related complications. 

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For patients with a history of hypokalemia, ongoing follow-up is important.  Monitoring potassium levels can help prevent recurrence and reduce the risk of serious complications, especially in patients taking diuretics and other medications that can lower potassium.