Search results
Results From The WOW.Com Content Network
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]
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]
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 ...
Hypokalemia, a deficiency of potassium in the plasma, can be fatal if severe. Common causes are increased gastrointestinal loss ( vomiting , diarrhea ), and increased renal loss ( diuresis ). [ 96 ] Deficiency symptoms include muscle weakness, paralytic ileus , ECG abnormalities, decreased reflex response; and in severe cases, respiratory ...
Various laboratory values can be abnormal in hypovolemic shock. Patients can have increased BUN and serum creatinine as a result of pre-renal kidney failure. Hypernatremia or hyponatremia can result, as can hyperkalemia or hypokalemia. [4] Lactic acidosis can result from increased anaerobic metabolism.
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]
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]