A 30-year-old member asked:
What are the causes of low potassium (hypokalemia)?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Quresh Khairullahanswered
Nephrology and Dialysis 44 years experience
See below: A low potassium level has many causes, some are due to decreased intake, some due to increase loss from the skin, gut eg loose stools, urine eg alcohol intake, tubular problems or magnesium deficiency.Others are due to shift of potassium into the cells.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. S. Smiley Thakuranswered
Nephrology and Dialysis 33 years experience
In/out/shift: The approach is as follows:
1. Not enough in: this is not likely
2. Too much out:
a) urine: can occur with diuretics, low magnesium
b) gi: as a result of vomittng, or due to diarrhea
3. Shift: into cells in patients with alkalosis, or with Insulin excess.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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A member asked:
Can low potassium cause a seizure?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Tonga Nforanswered
Cardiology 18 years experience
Yes: Very low potassium or sodium can cause a seizure.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Can low potassium cause bradycardia?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. James Chapmananswered
Cardiology 43 years experience
No: A low potassium is usually associated with extra heart beats or abnormal tachycardia. A high potassium, on the other hand, can cause heart block, bradycardia, even systole.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Can low potassium cause seizures?
2 doctor answers • 11 doctors weighed in
Dr. Payam Mehranpouranswered
Internal Medicine - Cardiology 25 years experience
No: Low potassium can cause muscle pain, cramps, weakness, paralysis, and even heart rhythm changes. Extent of symptoms are in part related to severity of drop in levels.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Can low potassium cause you to faint?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Rick Kochanswered
Cardiology 24 years experience
Unlikely: Unless it is low enough that dangerous arrhythmia results.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Can beer be the cause of low potassium?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Calvin Weisbergeranswered
53 years experience
Beer: The diuresis associated with drinking beer can wash out potassium.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Jan 15, 2020
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