Low potassium (hypokalemia): What causes it?

What causes low potassium?

- No name / No state given

Answer

Potassium is an electrolyte that is critical to the function of nerve and muscles cells, including those in your heart. Low potassium (hypokalemia) has many causes. The most common cause of low potassium is excessive potassium loss in urine or from the gastrointestinal tract, such as due to:

• Certain diuretics
• Chronic or severe vomiting or diarrhea
• Impaired kidney function
• Overproduction of a hormone (aldosterone) that causes your kidneys to excrete more potassium
• Excessive use of laxatives
• Eating disorders

Rarely, low potassium is due to not getting enough potassium in your diet. Your serum potassium is normally 3.6 to 4.8 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). Having a very low level of potassium (less than 2.5 mEq/L) can be life-threatening and requires emergency medical attention. Signs and symptoms of low potassium include:

• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Muscle cramps
• Constipation
• Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)

Treatment of low potassium is directed at the underlying cause and may include potassium supplements. If you're concerned about your potassium level, talk to your doctor.