What Is Hypokalemia?

Hypokalemia is a medical condition in which the patient has low potassium blood levels. Assuming that you're looking for general details and not a professional kind of advice (I'm not a doctor), then you're welcome to continue reading this article to learn more about it. If you have an emergency, please contact the proper people.

Hypokalemia can occur for a number of reasons. One of them is when there is a significant loss of potassium by the person. This issue is often associated with a large loss of fluid, such as in excessive vomiting or diarrhea. Low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia) can also lead to a deficiency in potassium. Many other potential causes also exist.

What about symptoms of hypokalemia? High blood pressure, known medically as hypertension, might occur. The person could feel fatigued. Muscle cramps, as well as pain in the muscles, might be present. It is even possible for muscle tissue to break down, a condition which is known as rhabdomyolysis. Note that rhabdomyolysis is a severe condition that can be fatal if not treated properly.

There are many potassium rich foods that can be considered to be added to the diet. They won't treat a severe situation that requires medical attention, but over the long haul they can be used to add extra of this mineral to one's diet. Potassium is commonly found in meats, as well as milk. Many fruits and vegetables also contain it, with several examples of these including the following: oranges, Brussels sprouts, avocados, and peas. Yet other foods also contain this mineral, such as peanut butter, some cereals, and bran.