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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffLow potassium (hypokalemia) refers to a lower than normal level of potassium in your bloodstream. Potassium is a chemical (electrolyte) that is critical to the proper functioning of nerve and muscles cells, particularly heart muscle cells.
Normally, your blood potassium level is 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). A very low potassium level (less than 2.5 mmol/L) can be life-threatening and requires urgent medical attention.
References
- Rose BD. Causes of hypokalemia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 24, 2011.
- Mount DB. Clinical manifestations and treatment of hypokalemia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 25, 2011.
- Rose BD. Diuretic-induced hypokalemia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 24, 2011.
- Laboratory reference values. Potassium values. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. July 2011.
- Pulmonary function, arterial blood gases and electrolyte studies. In: Fischbach FT, et al. A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Wolters Kluwer Health Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009: 944.
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