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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency help if you have:
Fainting, collapse, or severe light-headedness
Chest pain or a sustained racing or irregular heartbeat
Sudden severe weakness, inability to move normally, or trouble breathing
Severe abdominal swelling with vomiting or inability to pass stool or gas
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 is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
These symptoms can have many causes, but they need urgent assessment.
Contact a healthcare service promptly if you have new weakness, repeated palpitations, or ongoing vomiting or diarrhea.
Prompt advice is also appropriate if you have been told your potassium is significantly low, particularly if you have heart disease, take digoxin, or feel unwell.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is important after treatment, even if you feel better.
Repeat blood tests can confirm that potassium has recovered and is staying within the intended range.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Low potassium syndrome. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.