Hypokalemia
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| Hypokalemia | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Hypokalaemia, Hypopotassemia |
| Pronounce | |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Muscle weakness, fatigue, constipation, arrhythmias |
| Complications | Paralysis, rhabdomyolysis, respiratory failure |
| Onset | |
| Duration | |
| Types | |
| Causes | Diuretics, vomiting, diarrhea, hyperaldosteronism |
| Risks | |
| Diagnosis | Blood test |
| Differential diagnosis | Hyperkalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia |
| Prevention | |
| Treatment | Potassium supplements, dietary changes |
| Medication | |
| Prognosis | |
| Frequency | |
| Deaths | |
Hypokalemia is a medical condition characterized by lower than normal levels of potassium in the circulating blood. Potassium, an essential electrolyte, plays a crucial role in a range of vital physiological processes, including nerve cell function, muscle cell contraction, and maintaining heart rhythm[1].
Clinical Manifestations[edit | edit source]
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Symptoms of hypokalemia can vary from mild to severe, depending on the severity of potassium depletion. They can include muscle weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, constipation, and palpitations. In severe cases, it may cause serious cardiac arrhythmias or paralysis[2].
Causes and Risk Factors[edit | edit source]
Hypokalemia may arise due to inadequate potassium intake, increased potassium loss (through the kidneys or gastrointestinal tract), or a shift of potassium from the bloodstream into cells. Common causes include certain medications (like diuretics), chronic kidney disease, diarrhea, excessive sweating, and certain hormonal disorders[3].
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
The diagnosis of hypokalemia is based on blood tests revealing low serum potassium levels. Additional investigations, such as electrocardiography (ECG), may be carried out to assess the impact of hypokalemia on heart function[4].
Treatment and Management[edit | edit source]
Management of hypokalemia involves treating the underlying cause, if identifiable, and replacing the deficient potassium. This can be achieved through dietary measures, oral potassium supplements, or in severe cases, intravenous potassium[5].
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ , Hypokalemia, The New England Journal of Medicine, 2014, Vol. 371(Issue: 8), pp. 774–776, DOI: 10.1056/NEJMc1406591, PMID: 25140970,
- ↑ , Hypokalemia, The New England Journal of Medicine, 1998, Vol. 339(Issue: 7), pp. 451–458, DOI: 10.1056/NEJM199808133390707, PMID: 9700175,
- ↑ , Causes of hypokalaemia in adults, UpToDate, 2020,
- ↑ , Diagnosis and treatment of hypokalemia, American Family Physician, 2016, Vol. 93(Issue: 6), pp. 487–492, PMID: 26926973,
- ↑ , Hypokalemia, Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2000, Vol. 2(Issue: 2), pp. 181–186, DOI: 10.1007/s11936-000-0020-5, PMID: 11096514,
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
