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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffLow potassium level (hypokalemia) occurs when the level of potassium in your blood is lower than normal. Potassium is a nutrient that is critical to the function of nerve and muscles cells, including those in your heart.
Your blood potassium level is normally 3.6 to 4.8 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). Having a very low potassium level (less than 2.5 mEq/L) can be life-threatening and requires emergency medical attention.
Low potassium symptoms include:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Constipation
- Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
Low potassium is usually discovered by your doctor as a blood test result.
- Rose BD. Causes of hypokalemia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 24, 2009.
- Rose BD. Diuretic-induced hypokalemia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 24, 2009.
- Laboratory reference values. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. July 1, 2009.
