My potassium level is 3.2, should I be worried?
I`ve just found out the my potassium level is 3.2…on the exceptionally low side. I`ve been browsing on Google and came across some scary bits of information that basically state`s that having low potassium to such an extreme could literally stop your heart. I`ve had all the symptoms of having a depleted potassium level; Muscle cramps, irregular heart beat, lethargy and so on. All of which I`ve had for over 4 years; since 2006.
I just don`t get it, I eat incredibly healthy foods. Most of which are loaded with rich potassium levels. yet my body doesn`t seem to absorb any of the good I`m putting in. I`m also aware of the possibility that having low potassium my be indicative of an underlying disorder; like diabete`s, Cushing syndrome and adrenal tumors. I have also been recently been diagnosed with a pleomorphic adenoma tumor, a benign tumor of the salivary gland that`s extremely rare in people my age… I`m only 20. I`m sure, at least I don`t believe my benign tumor has much of anything to do with the low potassium level. I`m still scratching my head looking for answer`s.
should I be worried..
Filed under: Potassium Side Effects
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This forum has its limitations. I do not have the benefit of a medical history, a physical examination, I do not know why your potassium level was checked, and I do not know what your physician told you. A potassium of 3.2 mmol/L if accurate needs to be corrected. If there is no obvious reason for a low potassium level I most often repeat it to validate the finding. It is reproducibly low then potassium replacement is appropriate along with further evaluation to try and identify the cause. If I may be of further assistance please let me know. I wish you the very best of health and in all things may God bless.
Please also keep in mind that low potassium can be the opposite of Cushing’s, that is adrenal insufficiency in some people.
I know that I as well as several others drop in potassium when low in cortisol.
If you have a cyclical form of Cushing’s syndrome, your tests may come out largely normal but you still may be sick. I have a friend that with her Cushing’s, her K would just drop all the time. A cause was never found.
Please get more testing.