Diseases

Hypokalemia

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Hypokalemia refers to a lower than normal potassium level in your bloodstream. Potassium helps carry electrical signals to cells in your body. It is critical to the proper functioning of nerve and muscles cells, particularly heart muscle cells.

SYMPTOMS

Constipation
Fatigue
Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
Weakness or muscle spasms
Dysrythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) especially in patients with heart disease
Paralysis, possibly in the lungs

CAUSES

The most common cause is excessive potassium loss in urine due to prescription medications that increase urination. Also known as water pills or diuretics, these types of medications are often prescribed for people who have high blood pressure or heart disease.