How low does potassium levels have to be before you get symptoms?
Sunday, July 18th, 2010 at
5:44 AM
Do any health care professionals know if slightly low potassium cna caus eheart symptoms? My potassium was 3.3 at E.R when I went in with heart symptoms, and normal is 3.5-5.1 They sai dit would have to be lower fo rthat to have been the cause of my heart symptoms.
Filed under: Low Potassium
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littlemiss_2075 - A low blood serum potassium is known as hypokalemia. Potassium is an electrolyte that is important to the function of the nerve and muscle cells, including the heart.
Hypokalemia is most common in people with diseases that affect kidney function, people who take diuretics (water pills), and people with eating disorders. 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. 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. If you have a disease that affects kidney function or are taking drugs that affect how much potassium the kidneys release, it is important to eat foods that are high in potassium. Potassium is found in many foods such as bananas, oranges, tomatoes, spinach and other green leafy vegetables, melons, peas and beans, and potatoes.
Medical practice considers the hypokalemia critical value at lower than 3 mEq/L
i am surprised doctor didnt not advise you to take a K+ supplement such as some low K, or advise you to eat more bananas.
potassium is something that should be kept within a tight range, and about 4.0 is the optimum.
it is serious if you are on any heart medication such as digoxin.
i would advise you to eat some food high in potassium such as bananas.
you could experience some symptoms at 3, which includes higher blood pressure, muscle pain, and constipation.
Consult a medical doctor
Not everyone will react the same to a low potassium level. You may show symptoms at a level of 3.3 mEq/L , such as fatigue or weakness, where another person may not. At a level below 3 mEq/L all individuals would show some symptoms. At 2.5 mEq/L it becomes life threatening and immediate treatment is required.