What happens if you have a low potassium level?
In hypokalemia, the level of potassium in blood is too low. A low potassium level has many causes but usually results from vomiting, diarrhea, adrenal gland disorders, or use of diuretics. A low potassium level can make muscles feel weak, cramp, twitch, or even become paralyzed, and abnormal heart rhythms may develop.
What is considered a low potassium level?
What is considered low potassium? Low potassium levels are blood potassium levels under 3.5 mEq/L; under 2.5 mEq/L can be life-threatening. Normal potassium levels, for most people, are typically between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq per liter (mEq/L), according to a 2018 clinical update.
What causes dangerously low potassium?
Low potassium (hypokalemia) has many 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.
Can low potassium cause anxiety?
An imbalance of potassium can cause many different side effects including anxiety and new research suggests a potential for sleep disturbances. If you have low levels of potassium, you may experience an increase in your anxiety symptoms. Anxiety is an abnormal feeling of worry, fear, apprehension or nervousness.
Is 3.1 a low potassium level?
Levels under 3.5 mEq/L (3.5 mmol/L) are considered low. Moderate hypokalemia is the level of 2.5-3.0 mEq/L. Levels under 2.5 mEq/L are considered too low and known as severe hypokalemia. These levels need emergency hospitalization.
What cancers cause low potassium?
In SCLC, amongst the important causes of low potassium levels in the blood are adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)-secreting tumors. Ectopic Cushing’s syndrome, secondary to lung cancer, is a rare occurrence with a poor prognosis but may manifest with severe hypokalemia, alongside hyperglycemia and muscle weakness.
How can I raise my potassium level?
Tips for adding potassium foods to your healthy diet:
- Add spinach or other leafy greens to your sandwiches.
- Toss fresh or dried apricots into plain non-fat yogurt for a snack.
- Enjoy a cup of low-sodium bean soup for lunch.
- Eat a small baked potato or sweet potato instead of bread at dinner.
Can low potassium affect sleep?
Potassium channel dysfunctions, which can prevent potassium from getting into cells, and the muscle spasms, which are one of the symptoms of hypokalemia (deficiency of potassium in the bloodstream), could both disrupt your sleep.
How do you normalize potassium levels?
To help keep your potassium levels within normal range, your doctor may recommend the following:
- Following a low-potassium diet, if needed.
- Try avoiding certain salt substitutes.
- Avoiding herbal remedies or supplements.
- Taking water pills or potassium binders, as directed by your healthcare provider.
