Signs of potassium deficiency in the body may lead to a heart attack

 

Signs of potassium deficiency in the body

Signs of potassium deficiency in the body are numerous, and severe potassium deficiency may cause serious health problems. Discover the following signs of potassium deficiency in the body:

Signs of hypokalemia

(hypokalemia) refers to a lower than normal potassium level in your bloodstream

Perhaps the most prominent symptoms of potassium deficiency, are the following:

• Neuromuscular, digestive and renal.

• In the case of mild hypokalemia, fatigue is the most common symptom. Cramps, muscle pain, muscle weakness, nausea, constipation, and flatulence may also be observed. Frequent urination and metabolic alkalosis may occur.

• Severe hypokalemia can cause arrhythmia, a disturbance in the heart rhythm, affecting the frequency, intensity and regularity of contractions: the heart, which needs potassium to contract, is no longer able to perform its functions. The main manifestations of arrhythmias are palpitations, dizziness, too slow or too fast heartbeat, low blood pressure, shortness of breath or chest pain. More serious complications can lead to cardiac arrest and death.

What is the normal potassium level in the blood?

The normal potassium level in the blood should be between 3.5 and 4.5 mmol/L. These parameters can vary according to laboratories, and can be up to 5 mmol/L.

What causes hypokalemia?

Severe diarrhea may lead to potassium deficiency in the body

Hypokalemia, in particular, can be associated with low potassium intake. A decrease in potassium intake is observed, for example, during anorexia accompanied by vomiting.

Prolonged fasting can be one of the causes of hypokalemia.

 It can also be due to excessive loss of potassium via urine or through the digestive system. It can be acute or chronic diarrhea or profuse vomiting, as observed in cases of severe burns.

Medications can also cause hypokalemia; These are mainly diuretics that increase the elimination of potassium, laxatives, aspirin, digitalis and long-acting corticosteroids.

What are the treatments for hypokalemia?

First and foremost, the cause of hypokalemia should be treated in addition to taking potassium supplements.

The method of the amount of potassium to be administered depends on the degree of hypokalemia and cardiac complications. In non-emergency situations, treatment consists of eating potassium-rich foods and adding potassium chloride tablets if necessary.

Regular consumption of foods containing potassium helps maintain a balanced rate.

They include legumes (white beans and lentils), vegetables (chard, spinach, potatoes, cabbage, mushrooms), fruits (avocados, bananas, apricots, citrus fruits, black currants), dried fruits (walnuts, almonds, pistachios, dates, figs) and are also found in meat, fatty fish, chocolate, and whole grains. General Practitioner In emergency situations, potassium chloride is given intravenously.

• Source: sante.journaldesfemmes.fr