Hypokalemia – colloquially called potassium deficiency – (synonyms: Hypokalemia syndrome; potassium-loss syndrome; ICD-10-GM E87.6: hypokalemia) occurs when the concentration of serum potassium in an adult falls below a value of 3, 5 mmol/l.
Differential pathogenetic classification of hypokalemia (for details, see Hypokalemia (potassium deficiency)/Causes below):
- Renal (kidney-related) hypokalemia.
- Enteral-related (intestinal) hypokalemia.
- Metabolic (metabolic) hypokalemia.
Note: Hypokalemia can be the result of marked hypomagnesemia (magnesium deficiency).
Sex ratio: males to females is 1: 1.
Frequency peak: Hypokalemia occurs more frequently between the 50th and 80th year of life.
The prevalence (frequency of disease) is approximately 1-3% ambulatory and 15-20% inpatient.
The incidence (frequency of new cases) is not known.
Course and prognosis: Mild hypokalemia is asymptomatic. At serum potassium levels less than 3.0 mmmol/l, neuromuscular symptoms (e.g., muscle weakness or cramps), cardiovascular (cardiovascular-related) symptoms (e.g. Hypotension (low blood pressure), tachycardia (heartbeat too fast: > 100 beats per minute), cardiac arrhythmias (e.g., extrasystoles/extra heartbeats); sudden cardiac death (PHT) from potassium < 2.5 mmol/ml), gastrointestinal (gastrointestinal-related) symptoms (e. (e.g., anorexia (loss of appetite), nausea (nausea)), renal (kidney-related) symptoms (e.g., hypokalemic nephropathy (kidney disease) with impaired ability to concentrate, polyuria (increased urination), and polydipsia (excessive fluid intake by drinking)), and metabolic (metabolic) symptoms (e.g., metabolic alkalosis).After compensation for potassium deficiency, there is rapid resolution of symptoms.
