Question 1

what causes low potasium?

Accepted Answer

K: Low potassium (k) is caused by diuretics mostly.

Question 2

dr. put me on lisinpril w/waterpill but my heart dr. took the waterpill awaydue to low potasium well sometimes i take the one w/waterpill, can i?

Accepted Answer

Don't: It is very important that both physicians are aware of what is going on. As far as taking the water pill without your heart doctor's knowledge- this can be dangerous.Talk it over with your heart doctor. There is probably a good reason he/she does not want you to take the water pill.

Question 3

could chf, renal problems, low potasium and imunocompromise be related?

Accepted Answer

Yes: This is a highly complicated picture you present.  Sort answer is yes but you need a comprehensive consultation & discussion with a skilled internist.

Question 4

doc said i had ketonuria and in my blood test i had low potasium i eat normally and drink water so why is that?doctor said i need urine test again

Accepted Answer

This is serious: Anyone can have +1 ketones in the urine from missing a meal, but more is worrisome. Please repeat. Low blood potassium reflects illness rather than habits or lifestyle. I am trusting you are not taking any medications that might cause this. A good history and phyiscal exam is next, and likely some checks of hormones and renal concentrating ability / tubular function.

Question 5

is ensure low in potassium?

Accepted Answer

ENSURE: Ensure is not low in potassium. It can overload one with potassium if one has kidney impairment.

Question 6

what causes chronically low blood potassium levels?

Accepted Answer

Few mechanisms: 1. Low intake in food  2. Loss in secretions- urine, gastrointestinal-vomitus and stool, sweat 3.Increased traslocation of k in to the cells in certain conditions eg. Insulin excess, mineralocorticoid( aldosterone - a hormone secreted by adrenal gld.) excess are associated with low potassium.There is a genetically acquired condition called periodic hypokalemic syndrome characterized by low k level.

Question 7

low potassium symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Several: Many-depending on severity, including muscle weakness/cramping, tingling or numbness, nausea or vomiting, abdominal cramping, bloating, constipation
palpitations (feeling your heart beat irregularly), passing large amounts of urine or feeling very thirsty most of the time, fainting due to low blood pressure
abnormal psychological behavior: depression, psychosis, delirium, confusion, or hallucinations.

Question 8

symptoms of low potassium?

Accepted Answer

Usually none.: One can suspect low potassium by a clinical history or by abnormalities on the ekg but there are usually no symptoms.  People who take Benazepril often run potassium on the higher side of normal.

Question 9

how low of a level is low potassium?

Accepted Answer

Labs vary: Different labs have different thresholds for flagging potasssium as abnormally low. The low range cut off is 3.2-3.5 mmol/l. 

More importantly than the level, is the cause.  See your doctor to confirm there is an explanation.

Question 10

is low potassium always a sign of a malignancy?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia: No, low potassium levels might be due to  vomiting, diarrhea, diuretic use or adrenal gland problems.

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Doctor answers about:

Low potasium

A member asked:

What causes low potasium?

A member asked:

Dr. put me on lisinpril w/waterpill but my heart dr. took the waterpill awaydue to low potasium well sometimes i take the one w/waterpill, can i?

A member asked:

Could chf, renal problems, low potasium and imunocompromise be related?

A member asked:

Doc said i had ketonuria and in my blood test i had low potasium i eat normally and drink water so why is that?doctor said i need urine test again

A member asked:

Is ensure low in potassium?

A member asked:

What causes chronically low blood potassium levels?

A member asked:

Low potassium symptoms?

A member asked:

Symptoms of low potassium?

A member asked:

How low of a level is low potassium?

A member asked:

Is low potassium always a sign of a malignancy?

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