5th April 2024

Clinical manifestations

Mild hypokalemia is usually asymptomatic, but where potassium levels reach below 3.0 mmol/L, symptoms include generalised weakness, fatigue, myalgia and constipation. Potassium levels <2.5 mmol/L result in more serious problems including:

• Muscle weakness and paralysis ascending from the lower limbs
• Respiratory failure where respiratory muscles are involved
• Ileus due to involvement of the gastrointestinal muscles 
• Paraesthesia 
• Tetany
• Polyuria and polydipsia