Potassium plays a crucial role in the body, regulating
heartbeat and other critical functions. Low levels of
potassium--known medically as hypokalemia
(HI-poh-kah-LEE-me-uh) can be dangerous and potentially
fatal.
Causes
Among the many causes of
hypokalemia are vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney disease.
Potassium supplies can also be depleted by certain medicines
(especially water pills), heavy sweating during exercise, and
lack of sufficient potassium in your diet.
Signs/Symptoms
You're likely to develop muscle
cramps and weakness, accompanied by thirst and a great deal of
urination. Your heart may begin to skip beats--
a very dangerous sign.
Care
If your potassium is not too low,
you may be able to clear up the condition by eating
high-potassium foods such as potatoes with skin, bananas, and
spinach. In some cases, you may have to take potassium
supplements in pill or powder form. If your potassium is
extremely low, you may need to be hospitalized so that you can
be given blood tests and intravenous potassium.
Do's/Don'ts
If you are taking digitalis for a
heart problem or are on water pills, make sure to get your
blood tested regularly.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Be careful to take all your medicines exactly as
directed. If you suspect that any of them are causing a
problem, let your doctor know about it immediately; but
don't stop taking them on your own.
Along with your normal diet, eat foods that have
potassium in them.
You may continue your normal activities when you feel
better.
Learn to count your pulse at your wrist or your neck,
especially if you are taking water pills or
digitalis.
Teach your relatives how to count your heartbeats
also.
Call Your Doctor If...
You feel weak or faint.
If you cannot stop vomiting or have lasting
diarrhea.
Seek Care Immediately If...
You cannot move your arms or
legs.
Your heart is skipping beats or you have chest pain.
This may be life-threatening. Call
911 or 0 (operator).
DO NOT drive yourself to the
hospital.
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