Evaluation and Management of Hypokalemia


Hypokalemia is often asymptomatic. Evaluation begins with a search for warning signs or symptoms warranting urgent treatment.  These include weakness or palpitations, changes on electrocardiography (ECG), severe hypokalemia (less than 2.5 mEq per L [2.5 mmol per L]), rapid-onset hypokalemia, or underlying heart disease or cirrhosis. Most cases of hypokalemia-induced rhythm disturbances occur in individuals with underlying heart disease.  Early identification of transcellular shifts is important because management may differ. Identification and treatment of concurrent hypomagnesemia are also important because magnesium depletion impedes potassium repletion and can exacerbate hypokalemia-induced rhythm disturbances.


#Diagnosis #Hypokalemia #Evaluation #Algorithm