Find out the doctor about the possibility of receiving diuretics. Sometimes for the output, diuretics or diuretics are used by urination. A diuretic agent is administered orally in a dosage of 0.5-2 mg 1-2 times a day, or intravenously in a dosage of 0.5-1 mg. If necessary, after 2-3 hours, the doctor may assign even 2 doses of the drug.

• Please note that this method of treatment may not be enough to treat urgent cases, although with a moderately high potassium level this method will be effective.

Hemodialysis. With renal failure or at a significantly elevated level of potassium, hemodialysis can help. Hemodialysis is the process of artificial removal of vital products from the blood, which is used in cases where the kidneys do not cope with their task.

Continue to observe the doctor after the completion of treatment. After passing the relevant course of treatment of hyperkalemia, it is extremely important to monitor the level of potassium so that it remains within the normal range. Usually after the treatment of hypercalemia, patients remain in the hospital for a short time, where they are connected to the "cardiomonitor" (the device that monitors the work of the heart). The doctor can monitor the patient's condition in one way. When a state is stable and does not cause concerns, the patient is sent home.

For normal operation internal organs Human role is played by trace elements entering the body together with food or the chemical reactions formed in it. - pretty important element in the system of vital substances.

In the body of any person, he participates in many processes at the molecular level, having a considerable effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Deviations in the potassium level threaten the development of many adverse symptoms and pathologies. In today's material, let's talk about the phenomenon of hypokalemia, the causes of its development and the peculiarities of therapy.

As noted earlier, potassium is a rather important trace element for the human body. If we consider the work of individual organs and the influence of this substance on them, it is possible to surprise its significance. Potassium is involved in many biochemical processes, so it is tremendously important for a person.

The most significant functions of the trace element include:

1. Stabilization of pressure inside the cells by controlling the sodium-potassium balance.
2. Maintaining human muscle tone.
3. Control of the liquid composition of cells of all tissues.
4. Normalization of acid-alkaline balance in the appropriate media of the body.
5. Catalysis (acceleration) biochemical reactions.
6. Direct participation in the work of the urinary system, especially in the functioning of the kidneys.
7. Ensuring the normal conductivity of nerve impulses.
8. Elimination of risks of cardiovascular pathologies.

Naturally, the above processes exist not only at the expense of potassium. Despite this, the significance of the trace element cannot be underestimated. In essence, it is one of the inalienable elements in the system of vital substances for the body, as a result of which plays a significant role in its functioning.

Diagnosis and rate of potassium level in blood

Determining the level of potassium in the human body is carried out through. Diagnosis is carried out in standard mode.

For the most accurate and reliable results, blood is taken from veins and from the phalange of the finger. The Red Substance is amenable to biochemical analysis of an extended species, according to the result of which the level of potassium in the body is determined.

So that the results of the diagnosis were most reliable, enough:

• Pass the blood on an empty stomach.
• Do not smoke before collecting the biomaterial.
• Refuse harmful, oily food and alcohol per day before survey.
• Restand against physical and psycho-emotional loads before analysis.
• Prevent the diagnostics of all taken preparations (if available).

The normal level of potassium in the blood does not differ in women, men and children. In general, it must be at the level of 3.5-5 milligrams per liter of biomaterial.

With a decrease in this indicator, hypokalemia is diagnosed, with exceeding hypercalemia.

Regardless of the nature of deviations, the danger is large, since their presence provokes problems in the functioning of the entire body. More about the phenomenon associated with a reduced level of potassium, we will continue to speak more relevant further.

Causes of hypokalemia

Hypokalemia is a dangerous phenomenon, especially with a long flow. As noted above, it certainly leads to the improper work of many internal systems and complications associated with it.

The reasons for the development of hypokalemia are quite a lot, therefore it is important to know about the basic of them. Perhaps such knowledge will help prevent such an unpleasant problem.

IN modern medicine causes low level Potassium is divided into two groups, namely - on pathological and non-pathological. The first group of factors include:

• severe vomiting or long-term diarrhea leading to loss of liquid by man and natural leaning potassium
• barter syndrome (rare pathology associated with excessive release of liquid substances from the human body)
• liddle Syndrome (genetic anomaly accompanied by unnatural breakdown of potassium)
• problems in the digestive system affecting the suction of substances from food
• diabetes
• increased hormone level of aldosterone (hyperaldosteroneism)
• cushing syndrome (pathology of the pituitary gland, due to which the work of the endocrine system is disturbed)
• the presence of heavy burns, also leading to abundant liquid losses

Napatological reasons of hypokalemia include:

• incorrect nutrition
• frequent and strong physical exertion
• recently transferred surgery
• reception of many drugs (most often, laxative, antibiotic drugs, penicillins, gentamicins, insulins)
• enhanced sweating
• pregnancy
• excessive reception of herbal teas and such drinks

As practice shows, nonpatological factors extremely rarely provoke a decrease in blood potassium. Noticeably more often the phenomenon is caused by the pathologies of the body. Given this, it is important for hypokalemia to treat extremely responsible, otherwise the risks of the development of related problems.

Signs of pathology

Hypokalemia is a disorder, therefore always makes itself felt certain symptoms. Depending on the severity of the existing disorders, the nature, the severity of symptoms is determined.

Often, people suffering from hypokalemia are observed:

• constant muscular weakness
• increased fatigue
• low level of performance
• chronic weakness
• periodic and unprepared
• heart Rhythm Problems
• stressed meteorism
• excessive release of fluid from the body (frequent urge to the toilet, increased sweating etc.)

With long or strong hypokalemia, it is not worth excluding the development:

1. paralysis
2. psychological disorders (from mild apathy to serious depression and hallucinations)
3. serious problems with the digestive system
4. respiratory disorders
5. kidney fail

In all cases with a reduced level of potassium, the fall in immunity is also diagnosed, which contributes to the development of LOR-character pathologies and allergies. The symptoms of this kind is not only unpleasant, but also is dangerous, because of which it is undesirable to ignore it. At a minimum, it is necessary to be examined in the clinic and determine the nature of the problems. If possible, get rid of them.

Is potassium reduction dangerous for heart and vessels?

The danger of hypokalemia should not be underestimated. Since the reduced level of potassium leads to the disturbed work of the body at the cellular level and loss of fluid, its presence is always dangerous and able to provoke a number of irreversible consequences.

Among the most encountered complications of the disease will allocate:

• pARERS AND PLASTING FOOTS
• serious problems with the respiratory system (up to asphyxia due to the failure of the lungs);
• defeats of the heart and vessels
• renal failure

Naturally, the development of such complications is not always. The development of those can happen with a strong and long-term lack of potassium. During other circumstances, such serious consequences are practically excluded.

Medical practice shows that the greatest harmful hypocalemia causes a cardiovascular system.

The lack of potassium is able to be a provocateur as non-serious lesions of the heart or vascular structures, as well as the most dangerous pathologies. For example, the development or trembling of ventricles is not excluded.

Preparations for the normalization of substance content

Normalization of the potassium level - to the highest degree of responsible event that should be implemented jointly with professional doctor. The self-treatment of hypokalemia is unacceptable, as pathology does not apply to simple, if you can express it, and requires special knowledge for competent therapy.

Increasing potassium in the blood begins with the diagnosis of the violation itself and its root cause. As a rule, at least 1-2 months goes to this stage, during which a person gives several analyzes to the level of substance in the body. If, according to the result of all 3-4 diagnostics, hypokalemia is revealed, as well as its possible root cause, the patient is amenable to a deeper survey and a therapeutic course is appointed. Otherwise, a one-time deflection is diagnosed in a potassium level, absolutely not dangerous for the human body.

For hypokalemia therapy, three groups of funds are used:

1. Potassium-containing drugs.
2. Medicines aimed at eliminating the root cause of pathology.
3. Antisimptomatic drugs (if necessary).

Our resource specifically refused to form a specific list of funds to help overcome the low level of potassium in the blood. This is due to the fact that their final list depends on the cause of the ailment, which has its own.

Given this, the selection of optimal medicines is better to entrust the professional. Only such an approach will allow the greatest effect of organized therapy and the fastest results.

People's methods of hypokalemia therapy

Profile folk methods Hypokalemia therapy is not available. Even a variety of foods rich in potassium are not able to provide proper effect to normalize its level. That pathology therapy was successful, inevitable a complex approach To therapy based on the reception of special medicines.

Video will familiarize yourself with products that contain many potassium:

People's medicine hypocalemia will be useful only in one direction - when eliminating the root causes of the alend. In this case, it is important:

• Pick up the agent or several of them under the existing violation.
• Consult with your attending specialist regarding the possibility of using them.
• Eliminate the insecurity of people's methods of medicine.

If everything is normal - you can resort to homemade drugs. A similar approach will noticeably speed up the therapeutic course of hypokalemia and will allow the greatest effect to deal with such an unpleasant problem. Naturally, you need to act without fanaticism and do not forget that the drugs are the basis of therapy, the refusal of which is unacceptable and impossible.

At the end of today's article, we draw attention to the principles of diet in hypokalemia. Many people suffering from this pathology are truly underestimating the importance of nutrition.

In fact, it is pretty important and along with people's methods Therapy allows you to accelerate its current, as well as significantly increase the effect of the drugs used.

As a rule, the diet is selected for each patient individually taking into account:

1. Causes of its hypokalemia.
2. Character and severity of its flow.

With a reduced level of potassium, it is enough to normalize the overall nutrition process and add a large number of products rich in the diet to the diet. The latter can be attributed to:

• drinks and dishes with adding apple vinegar
• bran
• dietary yeast
• apricots
• prunes
• bananas
• fig
• orekhi
• cottage cheese
• equality products
• beetle
• citrus

It is desirable to prepare a cooking method, for a couple or bake. Power is important to organize in fractional mode. For a period of therapy, it is advisable to make a diet as useful as possible, refusing to fast food, oily, smoked food and other "heavy" for the tract gastrointestinal products.

An important aspect of nutrition is liquid. In hypokalemia, it should be enough, or even more than enough. It is advisable to consume conventional water or fresh juices. Coffee, tea, carbonated drinks and purchased juices are not welcome. In the rest of the aspects, nutrition can not be adjusted.

Perhaps this is the most important provisions on the topic of today's article approached the end. As you can see, there is no significant danger of hypokalemia. It is enough to initiate this ailment in a timely and fully. We hope that the material presented was useful for you and gave answers to questions of interest. Health to you!

© Use of site materials only in coordination with the administration.

Hypokalemia is often observed in persons who consider themselves healthy, but seeking to get rid of extra kilograms with hunger and some. However, this is not the only cause of electrolyte disorders and hypokalemia - in particular.

Usually with food, a rather high amount of potassium is received, the body takes the necessary, and the rest displays with urine and through the gastrointestinal tract. A healthy person, without setting a goal to enrich its body by potassium, anyway provides those biochemical processes that require participation K +, unless, of course, not sitting on a hungry diet for a long time.

Potassium - blood content standards and urine

Potassium (K +) refers to the main intracellular cations. It participates in biochemical reactions and transformations that occur inside the cell and maintain the normal life of the body. The extracellular fluid contains it in low concentrations, which usually do not exceed 2% of the total amount accumulated in the body.

The power of potassium in the blood (plasma) is 3.5 - 5.4 mmol / l. If the content falls and leaves for the lower limit of the norm (3.5 mmol / l), hypokalemia develops, on which the body corresponds to severe violations of the functional abilities of some organs, where the heart gets more than others.

The power of potassium in children varies somewhat depending on age:

• In newborns (up to the month of life) it is 3.6 - 6.0 mmol / l;
• In children under the year - 3.7 - 5.7 mmol / l;
• From year to year to 16 years, the norm varies in the range of 3.2 - 5.4 mmol / l;
• The concentration of potassium ions in red blood (erythrocytes) of people who do not have health problems are within 79.4 - 112.6 mmol / l.

Due to the fact that potassium from the body is excreted mainly with urine, then urine analysis is often used for diagnostic purposes. The kidneys of a healthy adult, thus excrete potassium in the amount of 2.6 - 4.0 g / day (38.4 - 89.5 mmol / l), while in children these norms differ noticeably, for example, before half a year at the kid 0.2 - 0.74 g / day is distinguished, up to two years already up to 1.79 g / day, up to 14 years old - up to 3.55 g / day, that is, as the norm increases and reaches the level of an adult.

Why does potassium decrease in serum in serum?

The causes of hypocalemia can be due to various circumstances, which briefly or constantly reduce the concentration of potassium in cells and violate important processes of life.

What is hypocalemia manifest?

Symptoms of hypokalemia in most cases depend on how far the process went out, but begin to manifest with potassium deficiency in plasma below 3.5 mmol / l And at first, somewhat resemble the signs of other electrolyte disorders (in particular, the hypomagnemiology):

1. Fatigue, low workability, constant wish to sleep.
2. Muscular weakness, pain, cramps of calf muscles, hand shake.
3. Slow pulse.
4. Strengthening urine is often more than 3 liters per day (polyuria).

The deepening of the deficit leads to the accession of new symptoms of the lack of potassium:

• Disruption of kidney functional abilities.
• Polyuria goes to Anuria (urine ceases to stand out).
• Disorder of digestion (bloating, vomiting, decreased appetite, meteorism, intestinal paresis, resulting in intestinal obstruction).
• Pares and paralysis.
• Violation of respiratory activities (shortness of breath, wet wheezes).
• Increased heart size with a decrease in heart rate, noise appearance, violation heart Rhythm, pathological changes in ECG.
• Raising arterial pressure.
• Hormonal disorders.

Diagnosis

The cause of hypokalemia is often able to find out in the first stages of diagnosis - when collecting anamnesis (reception of laxative and diuretic products, artificial calling of vomiting).

differential diagnosis of hypokalemia

Generally, The lack of potassium in the body feels quite well an electrocardiogram And, although its deviations do not always correspond to the degree of deficit, some addiction still takes place. Hypokalemia on may be presented in the following form:

1. A moderate decrease in the concentration of potassium ions is expressed by flattening or inversion of the tooth T, an increase in the amplitude of the teeth U, the depression of the ST segment and the syndrome of the elongated interval Q - T (QU);
2. For severe conditions, the elongation of the PQ interval is characteristic and, in rare cases - the expansion of the QRS complex;
3. And the pronounced (left ventricle) can give ventricular arrhythmias.

The lack of potassium in the heart muscle leads to a violation of metabolic processes in myocardium, slowdown, electrical instability of myocardium, which causes changes in the electrocardiogram recorded when the level of this element is dropped.

ECG signs of moderate hypokalemia

Consequences of deficit

In fact, the symptoms of hypokalemia are already indicated by the consequences caused by the disadvantage of potassium in the body. The range of potassium concentration in the blood plasma, providing the normal functioning of nervous and muscle fibers, is quite narrow, so Even minor, at first glance, deviations can lead to sad consequences:

• Hypokalemia gives the development of Malgia (muscle pain arising from increasing the tone of muscle fibers), adamas and heavy.
• Potassium deficiency promotes excessive tension and exhaustion of the insular apparatus, which increases the risk of diabetes.
• The disadvantage of potassium threatens the appearance of glycoside intoxication, if the patient takes (vintage drugs), which are poorly excreted by the kidneys due to the existing hypokalemia.
• The lack of potassium in the body gradually leads to a violation of a general acid-alkaline state (KSH).
• Hypocalemia, due to a significant impairment of acid-alkaline equilibrium and changes in myocardium, can lead to systole (when, on the contrary, it occurs in diastole), which is called a sudden coronary death.

Horiconagnation: Why does magnesium go out with potassium?

The plasma can lead stress, especially chronic nature, hard work, but also hypodynamine, too, high temperatures Environment, pregnancy, hormonal contraception, improper nutrition. As for looped diuretics, they not only remove potassium, but also other trace elements (sodium, calcium and magnesium, of course, too). Meanwhile the use of potassium-saving diuretics inhibits magnesium removal.

It is possible that there will be some deviation from the topic to describe the main symptoms of the hypomagnemia, since the reasons for the deletion of this trace element are solid and near (and diuretics make their contribution), and the decrease in magnesium levels is very affected by the work of many organism systems (not in vain constantly remind the media). Thus, The hypomantee can be suspected by some signs:

• A condition that people call the "chronic fatigue syndrome", after a long rest, does not leave the sense of breakdown, disgraced disappearance.
• Reactions nervous system Events on what is happening: irritability, depression, headaches, dizziness, nervous ticks, phobias, is frustrated by the dream, the memory suffers.
• Disorders of the muscular apparatus, which lead to muscle pain and seizures in the muscles of the back, neck, upper and lower extremities.
• The magnesium deficiency will react to the cardiovascular system by the appearance of pain in the heart area, leakage of blood pressure in the direction of falling or lifting, violation of the lipid spectrum with development, changes in blood and a tendency to elevated thrombosis.
• Changing the general condition when a man breaks his head over the search for the causes of dental destruction, hair loss, nail fragility. Everything starts to go wrong: the body temperature is reduced, the limbs become cold, the meteo-dependence, digestion disorder (diarrhea and constipation) appears, premenstrual syndrome (in women, previously healthy).

Signs of the hypomanteyia in this article are given in order to draw the patient's attention to similar manifestations that many are considered the usual state if the deficit is not deep and think about the lack of potassium, magnesium, sodium, which are among themselves in a certain relation, or other microelements in the body.

Correction of hypokalemia

What products contain potassium?

Treatment of hypokalemiaia begins with clarifying the causes of potassium losses by the body and their elimination. From the first days (hours) a diet is assigned containing large quantities of this element, good A very wide range of products can help in hypokalemia correction. Not a complete list of food products rich in potassium includes:

Obviously - there is a choice. From the listed products, you can make a wonderful diet and stick to the intended purpose. The main thing, giving preference to products that contain a large number of potassium, do not overdo it, that is, remember the kidneys, because on such a diet they can be overly littered.

Table: Approximate maintenance of potassium in products

Medication tools

Correction of hypokalemia, except the diet, provides for use medicinal preparationscontaining potassium and able to quickly reimburse its deficiency. It would seem that it would be easier to take and introduce the intravenous medicine, so that it was faster in the cells and regulated the equilibrium.

Meanwhile, there are some nuances: a potassium-containing drug introduced into Vienna (for example, potassium chloride - KCl) can give an opposite effect called ricoceliemia. The glucose potassium chloride injection solution is capable of leading to a greater deficit of this element. Besides, intravenous administration Requires increased attention to the state of the patient, since unwanted reactions on the part of the excretory system and the heart are possible. Treatment with potassium-containing preparations is carried out under the control of ECG and laboratory biochemical tests that determine the concentration of electrolytes in serum.

Treatment of hypokalemia potassium preparations used inside, is widely used and danger does not carry. We all know the names of such medicinesAs Panangin, Asparkov, Kalia orotat, which are prescribed for hypokalemia prevention when using diuretics.

Video: Potassium deficiency - Causes, Symptoms, Danger

The lack of potassium in the body (hypokalemia) is a diagnosis that doctors today put quite often. This problem is diagnosed even in those people who consider themselves quite healthy, especially those who lead an uncompromising struggle with extra kilograms of starvation methods, diuretic consumption, including those common in recent years "weight loss teas". But electrolyte disorders, which include hypokalemia, are provoked not only by these reasons. Why does such a problem arise, what are the symptoms of hypokalemia and methods of correction?

Norms of concentration of potassium

Potassium is a very important substance involved in a variety of biochemical processes of the human body. It plays a major role in intracellular processes, maintaining the functioning of the entire body as a whole. The main part of potassium is contained in cells, in the intercellular substance it contains about 2 percent of the total volume in the body.

The potassium content in the body is measured by the level of it in the blood, in mmol / liter. According to the latest medical research, the concentration rate of the substance in the blood plasma of adults should be from 3.5 to 5.4 mmol / l. If the indicator is lowered and does not reach the minimum permissible levelThis indicates the development of hypokalemia in a patient. This, in turn, causes a whole range of severe functional disorders of the body, especially from the heart. No less harmful and too high.

For children, the norm is somewhat different:

• babies in the first month of life are permissible to have potassium in the blood in volume from 3.6 to 6 mmol / liter;
• kids from month to year - 3.7-5.7 mmol / liter;
• in the range of 1-16 years, the norm is 3.2-5.4 mmol / liter;
• norms for potassium in solid red blood (not only in plasma) range from 79.4 to 112.6 mmol / liter.

In the process of metabolism, the withdrawal of potassium is carried out mainly through the kidneys, therefore the diagnosis of the level of the substance is carried out, including, on the analysis of urine. In an adult with a good health, the kidney per day is metabolized and removed up to 4 grams of potassium per day, in children, depending on age, from 0.2 to 3.55 grams. As the child grows, the norm increases, achieving, in the end, adult indicators.

Why drops the level of potassium?

The lack of potassium ions is caused by a number of circumstances resulting in dropping potassium content in cells and violation of various processes in the human body.

Below are the main causes of hypokalemia:

1. Poor food. The main source of potassium entering the body is food, and if it contains a little substance (or its complete absence), it will predict the potassium deficiency. An alternative reason may be reduced, because of any pathology, appetite. At first, the body manages to maintain a balance, automatically reducing the excretion of potassium through the kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract, but with the time the reserves of the substance in the body are depleted, and symptoms of potassium failure are developing.
2. Some states require increased flow of potassium into the body. These include, for example, periods after childbirth or rehabilitation after surgery, as well as the period of tooling the child - all these states are among the causes of hypocalemia.
3. Another reason for hypokalemia is food deviations, so-called geofagia, or eating clay. Such food deviation is found, for example, in pregnant women, and quite often - young children, as well as in some tribes of African Aborigines. Finding into the gastrointestinal tract, clay connects the ions of the substance, blocking their metabolism, the level of potassium in the body falls.
4. Some endocrine dysfunctions lead to increasing potassium output and can reduce its content. These include, for example, horse's syndromes, Itsenko-Cushing, and others. Treatment of endocrine disorders hormonal medicines can also provoke reinforced potassium excretion.
5. Thyrotoxicosis (thyroid disease).
6. The pathologies of the excretory system in which potassium metabolism is disturbed. They are often accompanied, for example, diabetes, and a number of other diseases.
7. Potassium is highlighted not only with urine and chair, but also through sweat. If a person sweats heavily in the process physical Loads and other circumstances accompanied by a strong sweating, it also contributes to the fall of its concentration in the body.
8. Low potassium level can be caused by the gastrointestinal diseases, because the substance is released through the intestine. It can be diarrhea of \u200b\u200bvarious genesis, polyps, continuous vomiting, pancreatic neoplasms, fistula in the intestine or stomach walls. Contributes to the loss of potassium and the use of laxatives.
9. Hypokalemia may have a congenital character. Known genetic pathology, leading to the fact that the level of potassium in the blood, as well as cells, periodically drops. It is manifested by muscle weakness at low potassium concentration.
10. A variety of electrolyte imbalances in the body.
11. The use of various medicines, adrenaline, testosterone, the introduction of insulin and other, provoking the acceleration of the output of the substance of the means. This can also include the reception of diuretics, and input to the body of a significant amount of medicinal solutions that do not have potassium in their composition.
12. Uncontrolled and improper use of diuretic drugs, leading to a sharp loss of potassium.

Symptoms lack of potassium

Signs of hypokalemia have several gradations and depend on the degree of falling the content of potassium ions.

The first symptoms of the shortage detect themselves when the concentration is reduced to a level of less than 3.5 mmol / liter in plasma, and remind those with general electrolyte balance disorders:

• poor ability to work, a resistant constant wish to lie down, fast fatigue;
• weakness and Malgia, cramps in feet cavities, tremor hands;
• deceleration of heartbeat;
• the increased withdrawal of urine by the kidney, which can reach the polyurium stage (loss of over 3 liters of fluid per day).

As hypokalemia progressing, the symptoms increase, the consequences of potassium lack are harder:

• begins the manifestation of functional disorders of the kidney;
• polyuria is replaced by a complete cessation of urine selection;
• gastrointestinal disorders begin: meteorism and bloating, loss of appetite, vomiting, violation of intestinal motility, leading to its obstruction);
• muscle paralysis;
• breathing problems (wheezing, shortness of breath);
• reducing the frequency of heart abbreviations against the background of an increase in the organ in size, noise and heart rhythm failures. The electrocardiogram shows pathological changes;
• growth of blood pressure;
• hormonal dysfunctions.

Possible consequences

Due to this, even with a small shortage of potassium in the body of symptoms may occur very serious:

• malgy (pain in the muscles - they arise because of the fallen, against the background of hypokalemia, muscle tone.), heart arrhythmia and adamiya;
• risk of developing diabetes, as a result of an increased load on the mechanism of insulin synthesis;
• the lack of potassium affects the work of the kidneys, which can lead to glycosides poisoning in patients receiving heart-based heartbreaks. The products of the metabolism of these medicines contain glycosides, the output of which blocks renal failure;
• common disorders of the acid-alkaline balance;
• from the previous item, a sudden cessation of cardiac activity may develop, due to the far-seated acid-alkali imbalance and related changes in the heart muscle. Such a phenomenon of physicians is called "Sudden Coronary Death".

Hypokalemia is accompanied by another phenomenon - hypomagnation, that is, magnesium deficiency. This is due to the fact that drugs from the spectrum of diuretics are washed away from the body, in addition to potassium, and other trace elements, including magnesium. And the metabolism of potassium and magnesium is closely interrelated.

How to treat

To start the therapy of the deficit of potassium, it is necessary, first of all, to determine the cause of the phenomenon.

Usually, starting the treatment of hypokalemia, doctors immediately prescribe a special diet, including rich in potassium products:

• red meat;
• bananas;
• potatoes;
• mushrooms;
• different cereals (buckwheat, oatmeal, millet);
• beans (peas, beans), as well as eggplants;
• various types of cabbage, including sea;
• vegetables - carrots, radish and beet;
• rich in potassium watermelons and melons, pumpkin;
• greens (spinach, parsley, different types of salad);
• nuts;
• dried fruits;
• such fruits like apples, avocado, apricots and peaches;
• tea, cocoa drinks and coffee.

Makeup a menu from this list, it is fairly easy to increase the concentration of potassium.

In addition to the diet, with hypokalemia, treatment is carried out by medicines containing easily accessible to the absorption of potassium.

Such, for example, potassium chloride, which is administered intravenously in the form of a solution of a substance in glucose. But this solution should be applied with accuracy - in some cases the effect of so-called ricoceliemia is possible, associated with the presence in the glucose solution, which is able to cause even string of potassium even more. Therefore, the treatment of hypokalemia with the use of intravenous means should be carried out under the strict control of the doctor.

More secure oral potassium-containing medicines. Today there is a fairly large number of items of such funds: Panangin, Potassium orotat and others who can increase potassium concentration. Doctors can prescribe them to patients to stabilize the level of potassium ions in the body, especially against the background of diuretic reception.

However, it was found that approximately 98% of residents of developed countries do not receive the recommended number of potassium from food. Probably wines a modern diet, because in it processed food products They prevail over whole vegetable products, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts.

Nevertheless, the low-calibration diet is rarely the cause of potassium deficiency or hypokalemia.

The deficiency is characterized by the level of potassium in the blood below 3.5 mmol / l.

Potassium deficiency can also develop when your body suddenly loses a lot of fluid, often as a result of chronic vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating and blood loss.

Here are 8 signs and symptoms of potassium deficiency.

1. Weakness and fatigue

Weakness and fatigue are often the first signs of lack of potassium in the body. There are several ways that the deficit of this mineral can cause weakness and fatigue.

First, potassium helps regulate muscle contractions. When the level of this blood mineral in the blood is below the norm, your muscles are not able to decline in due measure. The deficit of this mineral can also affect how your body uses nutrients, which leads to fatigue.

For example, some data show that potassium deficiency in the human body may worsen insulin production, which leads to high levels blood sugar (hyperglycemia).

Output:

Since potassium helps to regulate muscle contractions, its deficiency can lead to weaker muscle contractions. In addition, some evidence suggests that the deficit may disrupt insulin production, which can lead to fatigue due to excessive increase in blood sugar levels.

2. Muscular cramps and spasms

Potassium deficiency can manifest itself in the form of muscle cramps and spasms. Muscular cramps are sudden, uncontrolled muscle contractions. They may arise when the level of this blood mineral becomes too low. Inside muscle cells, potassium helps relay signals from the brain, which stimulate abbreviations. It also helps stop these reductions, coming out of muscle cells.

When the level of potassium in the blood is low, your brain cannot effectively transmit these signals. This leads to longer cuts, such as muscle cramps.

Output:

Potassium helps to start and stop muscle cuts. The low level of potassium in the blood can affect this balance, causing uncontrolled and long-term muscle contractions, known as convulsions.

3. Problems with digestion

Digestive problems have many reasons, one of which may be a potassium deficiency in the body.

Potassium helps relay signals from the brain into the muscles located in the digestive system. These signals stimulate abbreviations that help the digestive system to mix and promote food so that it can be digested.

When the blood potassium level is too low, the brain cannot effectively transmit signals. Thus, reductions in the digestive system can become weaker, which will slow down the food promotion. This may cause digestive problems, such as bloating and constipation.

In addition, in some studies it was assumed that a serious shortage of potassium could lead to full paralysis of the intestine. However, in other studies it was found that the relationship between potassium deficiency and the intestinal paralysis is not entirely clear.

Output:

Potassium deficiency can cause problems, such as bloating and constipation, as it can slow down the movement of food through digestive system. Some evidence shows that a serious deficit can paralyze the intestines, but it is not completely clear.

4. Student heartbeat

Have you ever noticed that your heart suddenly beats stronger, faster or beats unevenly? This feeling is known as the rapid heartbeat and is usually associated with stress or anxiety. Nevertheless, the rapid heartbeat may also be a sign of potassium deficiency.

This is due to the fact that the flow of potassium inside and outside the heartbeats helps adjust your heartbeat. The low level of this blood mineral can change this stream, which leads to rapid heartbeat.

In addition, the rapid heartbeat may be a sign of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), which is also associated with a potassium deficiency. Unlike rapid heartbeat, arrhythmia is associated with serious heart disease.

Output:

Potassium helps to adjust the heartbeat, and its low level can cause the heart symptoms associated with the heart, such as a rapid heartbeat. It can also be a symptom of arrhythmia, which can be a sign of a serious heart disease.

5. Stiffness and pain in the muscles

Muscular pain and stiffness can also be a sign of a serious deficiency of potassium. These symptoms may indicate rapid destruction. muscular fabricAlso known called Rabbomioliz.

Potassium in the blood helps to regulate the blood supply to the muscles. When its level is strongly reduced, your blood vessels can be reduced and limited blood flow into the muscles.

This means that muscle cells receive less oxygen, which can lead to their destruction. This leads to rhabomiolesis, which is accompanied by such symptoms as stiffness of muscles and pain.

Output:

Muscular pain and stiffness can be another sign of potassium deficiency and caused by fast muscle decay (Rabdomioliz).

6. Tingling and numbness

People with potassium deficiency may experience constant tingling and numbness. This is called paresthesia and usually arises in the palms, hands, feet and legs. This mineral is important for a healthy nervous function. Low level of potassium in the blood can weaken the nerve signals, which can lead to tearing and numbness.

Although such low-heated symptoms may be harmless, significant tingling and numbness can be a sign of the underlying disease. If you are experiencing constant paresthesia, it is best to consult a doctor.

Output:

Permanent tingling and numbness in the limbs can be a sign of a violation of the nerve function due to potassium deficiency. If you experience chronic tingling and numbness in your hands, palms, legs or feet, it is best to consult a doctor.

7. Difficulty breathing

Strong potassium deficiency can cause breathing difficulty. This is due to the fact that it helps relay signals that stimulate the reductions and expansion of the lungs. When the blood potassium level is strongly reduced, your lungs cannot expand and shrink properly. This leads to shortness of breath.

In addition, the low level of potassium in the blood may make it difficult for breathing, as it can lead a degradation of heartbeat. This means that your heart worse supplies blood the rest of your body.

Blood delivers oxygen into the body, so the deterioration of blood circulation can cause shortness of breath. In addition, a serious potassium deficiency can cause the lungs stop, which is fatal.

Output:

Potassium helps to easily expand and shrink, so the deficit of this mineral can lead to shortness of breath. In addition, a serious deficit may cause the lungs stop, which is fatal.

8. Changes in mood

Potassium deficiency is also associated with changes in mood and mental fatigue. Low level of potassium in the blood can disrupt signals that help maintain optimal brain function. For example, a study showed that 20% of patients with mental disorders Had potassium deficiency.

Nevertheless, there are limited evidence in the field of potassium deficiency and mood. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out additional research.

Output:

Potassium deficiency was associated with changes in mood and mental disorders. However, the relationship between them is not entirely clear.

Food sources of potassium

The best way to increase potassium intake is to use a larger amount of rich potassium products, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts.

Here is a list of products that are excellent potassium sources (indicated how much% every 100 grams of the product supply your potassium organism):

• Top beets, prepared: 26% of the RSNP.
• Yams, baked: 19% of the RSNP.
• White beans cooked: 18% of the RSNP.
• Mollusks prepared: 18% of the RSNP.
• White potatoes, baked: 16% of the RSNP.
• Sweet potatoes, baked: 14% of the RSNP.
• Avocado: 14% of the RSNP.
• Pinto beans, prepared: 12% of the RSNP.
• Bananas: 10% of the RSNP.

Output:

Potassium is found in a variety of whole products, especially in fruits, vegetables and legumes, such as yams, white beans, potatoes and bananas. The recommended daily rate of consumption of this mineral is 4700 mg.

Is it worth taking potassium additives?

Potassium additives are not recommended. Various well-known manufacturers of additives are limited to the release of drugs containing up to 99 mg of potassium in one capsule. They are recommended to take up to five capsules per day - up to 495 mg of potassium. For comparison, the average banana contains 422 mg of potassium.

This limit is probably low because studies have shown that high dose of potassium can damage the intestine or lead to abnormal heart abbreviations, which can lead to death.

Reception of too much potassium can cause excessive accumulation in the blood, which causes a condition called hypercalemia. Hypercalemia can cause arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), which can cause serious heart disease.

Nevertheless, if the doctor prescribed you a reception of this mineral in higher doses than shown above, this is normal.

Output:

It is not recommended to take potassium additives, because they are limited only to 99 mg of this mineral on one capsule (no more than 5 capsules per day). In addition, research bind their reception with adverse conditions.

Summarize

• Very few people consume potassium in sufficient quantities.
• However, its low consumption is rarely the cause of the deficit. The deficit usually occurs when your body loses a lot of fluid.
• The common features and symptoms of potassium deficiency include: weakness and fatigue, muscle spasms, muscle pain and stiffness, tingling and numbness in limbs, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, problems with digestion and mood change.
• If you think you have a lack of potassium, be sure to visit your doctor, as its shortage can lead to serious consequences.
• Fortunately, you can increase its level in the blood, simply consuming more rich in potassium products, such as beets, yams, white beans, mollusks, white potatoes, sweet potatoes, avocado, pinto beans and bananas.