Low Potassium

• Low Potassium Overview
• Low Potassium Causes
• Low Potassium Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Low Potassium Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Low Potassium Overview

Potassium is a mineral (electrolyte) in the body. Almost 98% of potassium is found inside the cells. Small changes in the level of potassium that is present outside the cells can have severe effects on the heart, nerves, and muscles.

Potassium is important to maintain several bodily functions:

• Muscles need potassium to contract.
  
  
• The heart muscle needs potassium to beat properly and regulate blood pressure.

The kidney is the main organ that controls the balance of potassium. It removes excess potassium into the urine.

When potassium levels are low (hypokalemia), you can become weak as cellular processes are impaired.

• The normal potassium level is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L (this is a measure used to evaluate the level). Low potassium is defined as a potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L.

• Almost one out of five people hospitalized in the United States has a low potassium level. Up to 14% of people otherwise seen in doctors' offices have slightly low potassium levels.