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Warning-sign checks

Low blood potassium: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency medical care for:

    • Fainting, collapse, or severe dizziness
    • Chest pain or a sustained fast or irregular heartbeat
    • Sudden severe weakness or inability to move normally
    • Trouble breathing
    • Severe abdominal swelling with vomiting or inability to pass stool or gas

    Do not drive yourself for emergency care if you feel faint, severely weak, or have significant heart symptoms.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Arrange prompt medical advice if you develop new muscle weakness, repeated cramps, constipation, or palpitations, especially if you have recently had vomiting or diarrhoea or take a medicine that can lower potassium.

    Contact your healthcare service promptly if a blood test shows low potassium and you have not received a follow-up plan.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up may include another blood test, a medicine review, or tests for the cause.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Low blood potassium. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.