POTASSIUM IMBALANCE

 Basic information

description

A potassium imbalance is a higher- or lower-than-normal level of potassium in the blood, body fluids, and body cells. Important electrolytes, including potassium, sodium, and calcium, maintain normal heart rhythm and regulate the body's water balance. They also help control muscle contractions and nerve impulses.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• For higher-than-normal levels (hyperkalemia):
  • Tingling in hands and feet.
  • Extreme weakness and paralysis.
  • Dangerously rapid, irregular heartbeat.
• For lower-than-normal levels (hypokalemia):
  • Mild weakness and muscle cramps, often following or during exercise.
  • Discomfort in the legs while sitting.
  • Confusion and disorientation.
  • Extreme weakness and paralysis.
  • Life-threatening rapid, irregular heartbeat.

causes

Electrolytes need to be in a certain balance to maintain the health and proper functioning of the body. A high or low potassium level results in an electrolyte imbalance and can cause the heart and muscle symptoms.

risk increases with

• Hyperkalemia:
  • Kidney or renal disease.
  • Severe burns, infections, or muscle injuries.
  • Acidosis (high acid concentration in the blood).
  • Rhabdomyolysis (muscle and kidney injury).
  • Chemotherapy (anticancer drugs).
  • Adrenal gland disorders.
  • Certain drugs that decrease potassium excretion.
  • Rarely, strenuous exercise.
• Hypokalemia:
  • Use of diuretic drugs for medical or other purposes. Athletes may use diuretics to meet certain weight limits before competing (e.g., jockeys, boxers, wrestlers).
  • Excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea.
  • Eating disorders; laxative abuse, prolonged fasting or starvation, or alcoholism (can lead to poor diet).
  • Hyperaldosteronism, Cushing's syndrome, inherited kidney defects, chronic kidney disease, and eating too much black licorice.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

If you take diuretics or have renal or kidney disease, have frequent blood studies to check potassium levels.

expected outcomes

Some potassium imbalances are temporary and correct themselves. Treatment can help other imbalances.

possible complications

• Treatment of hypokalemia may result in hyperkalemia and vice versa.
• Cardiac arrest and death.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider may do a physical exam. Medical tests may include blood and urine studies of potassium and other electrolytes. An ECG (electrocardiogram) may be done. It measures the electrical activity of the heart.
• Treatment usually involves drugs to correct the potassium imbalance.
• Most cases are treatable at home. Hospital care and intravenous (IV) therapy may be needed for severe cases of hypokalemia or hyperkalemia. Dialysis (a way to clean the blood) may be required if kidneys fail.
• If you take diuretics and digitalis, your family members should learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Learn to count your own pulse at the wrist or neck.

medications

• Your health care provider may prescribe:
  • Oral or intravenous (IV) potassium supplements to raise low levels.
  • Diuretics to increase urination and decrease high potassium levels.
  • Intravenous (IV) fluids (electrolytes) to correct a serious imbalance.
  • Drugs to treat an underlying disorder.
  • Changes in your current drugs if they are causing the potassium imbalance.

activity

Resume normal activities once symptoms improve.

diet

Depends on the condition. May be advised to eat more or fewer high-potassium foods (e.g., bananas, orange juice, beans, melons, carrots, tomatoes, and papaya).

 notify our office if

You or a family member has symptoms of a potassium imbalance.

Special Notes: