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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]
Hypokalemia (a decreased potassium level in the blood) is usually present during attacks. The condition may be life-threatening if weakness of the breathing muscles leads to respiratory failure, or if the low potassium levels lead to abnormal heart rhythms. [1] [2] If untreated, it is typically recurrent in nature. [1]
Low potassium is caused by increased excretion of potassium, decreased consumption of potassium rich foods, movement of potassium into the cells, or certain endocrine diseases. [3] Excretion is the most common cause of hypokalemia and can be caused by diuretic use, metabolic acidosis , diabetic ketoacidosis , hyperaldosteronism , and renal ...
Peaked P waves (> 0.25 mV) suggest right atrial enlargement, cor pulmonale, (P pulmonale rhythm), [1] but have a low predictive value (~20%). [2] A P wave with increased amplitude can indicate hypokalemia. [3] It can also indicate right atrial enlargement. [4] A P wave with decreased amplitude can indicate hyperkalemia. [5]
As a result, the muscle cannot contract efficiently (paralysis). The condition is hypokalemic (manifests when potassium is low; not "causing hypokalemia") because a low extracellular potassium ion concentration will cause the muscle to repolarise to the resting potential more quickly, so even if calcium conductance does occur it cannot be ...
Initial treatment in those with ECG changes is salts, such as calcium gluconate or calcium chloride. [1] [3] Other medications used to rapidly reduce blood potassium levels include insulin with dextrose, salbutamol, and sodium bicarbonate. [1] [5] Medications that might worsen the condition should be stopped and a low potassium diet should be ...
Bartter syndrome (BS) is a rare inherited disease characterised by a defect in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, which results in low potassium levels (hypokalemia), [2] increased blood pH , and normal to low blood pressure. There are two types of Bartter syndrome: neonatal and classic.
Specific electrocardiogram (ECG) changes may be seen. [1] Treatment is with magnesium either by mouth or intravenously. [2] For those with severe symptoms, intravenous magnesium sulfate may be used. [1] Associated low potassium or low calcium should also be treated. [2] The condition is relatively common among people in hospitals. [2]