POTASSIUM IMBALANCE |
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General Information
DEFINITION--Above-normal levels (hyperkalemia) or below-normal levels (hypokalemia) of potassium in the blood, body fluids and body cells.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS HYPOKALEMIA:
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Muscle cramps, particularly following or accompanying exercise.
Weakness and paralysis.
Low blood pressure.
Life-threatening rapid, irregular heartbeat. This is more severe than with hyperkalemia. HYPERKALEMIA:
Weakness and paralysis.
Dangerously rapid, irregular heartbeat or slow heartbeat (sometimes).
Nausea and diarrhea.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORS HYPOKALEMIA:
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The use of diuretic drugs for any purpose. Taking diuretics is a frequent--but unwise and unethical--practice among athletes who must meet a certain weight limit before competing (jockeys, boxers, wrestlers).
Prolonged loss of body fluids from vomiting or diarrhea.
Chronic kidney disease with kidney failure. At certain stages, this may cause the body to lose potassium.
Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.
Adrenal disease.
Use of drugs, including diuretics, potassium supplements and digitalis. Low potassium levels--especially in persons who take digitalis--often lead to serious heartbeat disturbances. HYPERKALEMIA:
Chronic kidney disease with kidney failure. Failing kidneys eliminate potassium too slowly, causing an excess in the body.
Use of oral potassium supplements without monitoring of potassium levels.
Burns or crushing injuries. These may cause potassium to be released from body tissues into body fluids.
HOW TO PREVENT
If you have a disorder or take drugs that affect potassium levels (see Causes & Risk Factors), learn as much as you can about your condition, your drugs and how you can prevent a potassium imbalance.
If you take digitalis and diuretics, have frequent blood studies to monitor potassium levels.
For prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, reduce athletic activities and seek medical care.
OTHERA medium to high blood level of potassium (in the normal range) may help protect against coronary-artery disease.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms, especially muscle weakness and heart-rhythm changes.
Medical history and exam by a doctor.
Laboratory blood and urine studies of potassium, sodium and other electrolytes.
EKG (See Glossary).
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESSUsually can be corrected with intravenous fluids and treatment of the underlying disorder.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONSCardiac arrest and death.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENT
Monitoring of blood potassium levels, treatment of underlying disorders and prescription of medications by a doctor.
Hospitalization (severe cases).
HOME TREATMENTIf you take diuretics and digitalis, your friends and family members should learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Learn to count your own pulse at the wrist or neck, and report significant variations to your doctor.
MEDICATIONYour doctor may prescribe:
Oral potassium supplements to raise low levels.
Diuretics to increase urination and decrease high potassium levels.
Intravenous fluids to correct a serious imbalance.
Medications appropriate for the underlying disease.
ACTIVITYResume your normal activities after clearance from your doctor when symptoms improve.
DIETDepends on the condition. Mild hypokalemia can be corrected by increasing consumption of potassium-containing foods, such as apricots, cantaloupes, bananas and citrus. There is no special diet for hyperkalemia.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have symptoms of a potassium imbalance or are having problems with a disorder that affects potassium levels.
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