What are some symptoms of Hypokalemia?
Symptoms of hypokalemia include irregular heartbeat, which can range from mild to severe. Severe cases can result in cardiac arrest and paralysis of the lungs. Other symptoms can include muscle weakness, cramping, or flaccid paralysis (limpness); leg discomfort; extreme thirst; frequent urination; and confusion. Infants and young children with gastrointestinal illnesses that cause prolonged vomiting and diarrhea can die from cardiac arrest when potassium levels become dangerously low. Hypokalemia is diagnosed by measuring the potassium levels in a blood sample. Normal blood potassium levels are 3.5 to 5.0 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) of blood. A patient with hypokalemia will have a blood potassium level lower than 3.5 mEq/L. To determine the cause of hypokalemia, your doctor may also check potassium levels in a urine sample. The doctor may also order a test called an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), which measures the electrical activity of the heart. Sources:
Mild hypokalemia is often without symptoms, although it may cause a small elevation of blood pressure,[9] and can occasionally provoke cardiac arrhythmias. Moderate hypokalemia, with serum potassium concentrations of 2.5-3 mEq/L, may cause muscular weakness, myalgia, and muscle cramps (owing to disturbed function of the skeletal muscles), and constipation (from disturbed function of smooth muscles). With more severe hypokalemia, flaccid paralysis, hyporeflexia, and tetany may result. There are reports of rhabdomyolysis occurring with profound hypokalemia with serum potassium levels less than 2 mEq/L. Respiratory depression from severe impairment of skeletal muscle function is not uncommon. Some electrocardiographic (ECG) findings associated with hypokalemia are flattened T waves, increased U waves, ST segment depression, and prolongation of the QT interval. The prolonged QT interval may lead to arrhythmias. Sources: http
