Low potassium (hypokalemia) means the potassium level in your body are below normal. Potassium is essential in carrying electrical signals to cells in your body. It is critical to the proper functioning of nerve and muscles cells, particularly heart muscle cells.
The normal amount of Potassium in the blood should be atleast 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). A very low potassium level (less than 2.5 mmol/L) can be life-threatening and requires urgent medical attention.
Causes of potassium loss include:
- Diuretics
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Excessive Sweating
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis
- Excessive Alcohol Use
- Excessive Laxative Use
- Primary Aldosteronism
- Some Antibiotic Use
