Potassium 3.4 mEq/L in your blood test results
You received your blood test result with a Potassium value of 3.4 mEq/L. This analysis helps you to check if your Potassium value is within normal range.
Your Potassium value of 3.4 mEq/L is too low. A good Potassium is usually between 3.6 and 5 mEq/L.
Increase your Potassium by 0.2 mEq/L to be within normal range.
Causes
Low Potassium, also called 'hypokalemia', has a variety of causes. Most commonly, it is a result of losing potassium in the urine after taking diuretic prescription medications. Losing fluids through vomiting or diarrhea can also contribute to low potassium levels, as can alcohol use, kidney disease, and even excess sweating. When potassium levels get too low, the body weakens, experiencing fatigue, muscle cramps, constipation, tingling/numbness, and arrhythmias. Extremely low levels can be life-threatening, as this can severely impair heart functioning.
Treatment & Medication
Sometimes, a change in regular medication is enough to fix the shortage of potassium. However, a doctor will determine whether supplements will also be necessary. There may be another medical condition that is causing the decrease, and this should first be treated to rule out other possibilities.
Useful Information
Potassium is crucial for heart function, smooth muscle contraction, and digestion. Additionally, it acts as an electrolyte, conducting electricity in the body. When potassium levels stray too far from the norm, a variety of adverse consequences can occur in the body.