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Potassium is a vital electrolyte within the physique and is chargeable for operate of muscular tissues, nerves and coronary heart. Very low ranges of potassium is named hypokalaemia and might result in harmful penalties as an individual could even really feel too weak to maneuver their physique, expertise paralysis, faint or expertise irregular coronary heart rhythms. Vomiting, diarrhoea or use of laxative can result in low potassium ranges whereas sure drugs like diuretics which can be generally used to deal with hypertension may also remove potassium together with extra sodium and water from the urine. (Also learn: 5 amazing salt-substitutes to cut heart disease risk and add flavour to food)
In hypokalaemia the quantity of potassium within the blood is simply too low. The regular ranges of potassium vary from 3.5 to five.2 mEq/L (3.5 to five.2 mmol/L). Anything decrease than 3 mEq/L (3 mmol/L) might be thought-about extreme hypokalaemia. While delicate instances of hypokalaemia are asymptomatic, in case of dangerously low ranges of potassium, one should get medical consideration.
Causes of low potassium ranges
“Low potassium levels, also known as Hypokalaemia, occur when the level of potassium in the serum falls below the normal range of 3.5-5 meq/l. Potassium is one of the major electrolytes in the body, which has a direct role in the proper functioning of the heart muscle, skeletal muscles, and intestinal activity. Low potassium levels can lead to disturbances in these functions due to its role in normal cell functioning,” stated Dr Kamal Verma, Senior Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.
“A significant decrease in potassium levels, particularly in persons with heart disease, may result in irregular cardiac rhythms. This might cause you to feel dizzy or faint. A low potassium level might even cause your heart to stop beating. Potassium is required to maintain your muscles, neurons, and heart functioning properly. Potassium is also required for a healthy digestive system and bone health. Potassium deficiency can impair these vital bodily activities. Low potassium levels in the body can induce irregular heart rhythms, muscular weakness, and even paralysis over time,” Dr Puneet Bhuwania, Consultant Nephrologist & Transplant Physician at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road.
Symptoms of low potassium
Signs and signs of low potassium is dependent upon severity of hypokalaemia. Mild instances are normally asymptomatic i.e., when potassium is 3-3.5 meq/l or except the affected person is both aged or having different main medical downside like persistent kidney illness or coronary heart failure. Symptoms normally seem as soon as Serum Okay ranges go under 3.0 meq/l.
Dr Bhuwania explains intimately the signs of hypokalaemia:
– Neurological: Muscle cramps and limb weak spot notably in decrease limbs; could trigger paralysis like state.
– Gastrointestinal: Constipation and belly distension, nausea, and vomiting.
– Generalized fatigability and myalgia
– Cardiac: Low blood strain, palpitations resulting from irregular coronary heart charges associated to atrial and ventricular arrythmias
– Respiratory muscle weak spot and in extreme instances respiratory failure.
Causes of low potassium ranges
Decreased consumption – which is normally much less generally seen i.e in circumstances like hunger and extreme fasting.
Acute diarrhoea, persistent or recurrent vomiting episodes, extra loss by way of kidney, drugs – diuretics (that are generally given for treating hypertension and coronary heart failure), use of extra laxatives for constipation.
Excessive sweating notably after heavy bodily exercise at excessive temperature.
Treatment of low potassium
- Potassium wealthy weight loss program: Fruits like bananas and oranges, inexperienced leafy greens, potatoes, and kiwi.
- Oral potassium dietary supplements as per physician’s recommendation.
- Patient may have hospitalization in case of extreme hypokalaemia as per treating doctor’s resolution.
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