Both low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia) and high blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia) can lead to abnormal heart rhythms. The most important clinical effect of hyperkalemia is related to the electrical rhythm of the heart. While mild hyperkalemia probably has a limited effect on the heart, ...
Having a potassium deficiency can cause problems that range from frustrating to severe and dangerous. ensuring your potassium levels don't drop too low is crucial to your overall health because low levels can result in the following symptoms: 1. Fatigue and Weakness One of the most common signs...
The condition in which potassium levels are too low is called hypokalemia. This can have an adverse effect on the body in many different manners. Low potassium levels could easily be treated with the help of adding potassium rich foods into the diet. This can help prevent the following complic...
A low blood potassium level is medically known as hypokalemia. A blood test is sufficient to confirm its diagnosis. What Does Potassium Do for Your Body? Your body needs potassium to help your nerves, heart, and muscles function correctly. But high potassium levels can lead to health problems...
There are many reasons you could have low potassium levels. It can happen when too much potassium leaves your body through your digestive tract. Or, it could be a symptom of another problem. What is the most common cause of low potassium? Most often, potassium levels get low when you lose...
When potassium levels are low (hypokalemia), you can become weak as cellular processes are impaired. Normal potassium levels are around 3.5-5.0 mEq/L (mEq/L stand for milliequivalents per liter of blood and this is a unit measure used to evaluate the level). Low potassium is defined as a...
If your potassium levels are too low,your body may make less insulin. That could lead to high blood sugar. Studies show that people with low potassium levels release less insulin, have higher blood sugar levels, and are more likely to get type 2 diabetes than those with normal potassium lev...
Hundreds of medications can affect your potassium level, either making it too high or too low. Drugs that can cause high potassium levels (Hyperkalemia) Some medications cause the blood level of potassium to increase, which is known as hyperkalemia. It occurs when your blood serum level exceeds...
Sweat too much Have diarrhea Vomit Take certain antibiotics Severe potassium deficiency isn't all that common. About 14% of people tested outside the hospital might have a slight lack of potassium in their blood. When people are in the hospital, around 20% might have low potassium levels. Sy...
Learn about the range and importance of normal potassium levels in the body. Study the effects of hypokalemia (low potassium) and hyperkalemia...