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Hypokalemia is a low level of potassium (K +) in the blood serum. [1] Mild low potassium does not typically cause symptoms. [3] Symptoms may include feeling tired, leg cramps, weakness, and constipation. [1] Low potassium also increases the risk of an abnormal heart rhythm, which is often too slow and can cause cardiac arrest. [1] [3]
Hyponatremia, or low sodium, is the most commonly seen type of electrolyte imbalance. [12] [13] Treatment of electrolyte imbalance depends on the specific electrolyte involved and whether the levels are too high or too low. [3] The level of aggressiveness of treatment and choice of treatment may change depending on the severity of the ...
Kidneys are important for regulating blood pressure and filtering waste products from the bloodstream; managing urine excretion to prevent dehydration; and regulating levels of electrolytes and ...
Mild cases of metabolic alkalosis often cause no symptoms. Typical manifestations of moderate to severe metabolic alkalosis include abnormal sensations, neuromuscular irritability, tetany, abnormal heart rhythms (usually due to accompanying electrolyte abnormalities such as low levels of potassium in the blood), coma, seizures, and temporary waxing and waning confusion.
Low potassium is associated with a risk of heart disease, stroke, arthritis, cancer, digestive disorders, and infertility." Recommended Daily Potassium Allowance
Normal potassium levels are between 3.5 and 5.0 mmol/L (3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L) with levels below 3.5 mmol/L defined as hypokalemia. [21] [28] It is classified as severe when levels are less than 2.5 mmol/L. [21] Low levels may also be suspected based on an electrocardiogram (ECG). [21] Hyperkalemia is a high level of potassium in the blood serum. [21]
Some guidelines recommend a bolus (initial large dose) of insulin of 0.1 units of insulin per kilogram of body weight. This can be administered immediately after the potassium level is known to be higher than 3.3 mmol/L; if the level is any lower, administering insulin could lead to a dangerously low potassium level (see below). [3]
Dehydration can cause hypernatremia (high levels of sodium ions in the blood). This is distinct from hypovolemia (loss of blood volume , particularly blood plasma ). Chronic dehydration can cause kidney stones as well as the development of chronic kidney disease .