Hypokalemia : Symptoms, Diagnosis & Tests (Potassium

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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Diseases & Conditions > Hypokalemia : Symptoms, Diagnosis & Tests

Hypokalemia

Alternate Names : Potassium - low, Low blood potassium

Symptoms & Signs

A small drop in potassium usually doesn't cause symptoms. However, a big drop in the level can be life threatening.

Symptoms of hypokalemia include:

Abnormal heart rhythms (dysrhythmias), especially in people with heart disease
Breakdown of muscle fibers (rhabdomyolysis)
Constipation
Fatigue
Muscle weakness or spasms
Paralysis (which can include the lungs)

Diagnosis & Tests

Your health care provider will take a sample of your blood to check potassium levels.

Other tests might include:

Arterial blood gas
BUN and creatinine level
Electrocardiogram
Blood tests to checkglucose, magnesium, calcium, sodium, phosphorous, thyroxine, and aldosterone levels

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Hypokalemia : Definition
Hypokalemia : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Hypokalemia : Symptoms & Signs
Hypokalemia : Diagnosis & Tests
Hypokalemia : Treatment
Hypokalemia : Prognosis (Expectations)
Hypokalemia : Complications
Hypokalemia : Calling Your Health Care Provider
Hypokalemia : Prevention
Hypokalemia : References
Hypokalemia : Pictures & Images
Blood test

Review Date : 8/3/2009
Reviewed By : David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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