what causes your potassium to suddenly drop?

Question

i go along feeling fine, then i get dizzy and start to get stiff. heart rate drops, extremely weak. i get potassium through an IV and some rest, then i am ok.

Answer 1

I wish I knew because it happens to me too.
I've ended up in the emergency room with sweats, dizziness, rapid heartbeat and more.
Now I just eat a banana or two and feel better.

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Answer 2

What Causes Potassium To Drop

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

I have had this happen several times. Each time I ended up in the ER with tachycardia. Blood tests at the hospital showed low potassium levels. They would give me potassium and magnesium. Any other time my potassium levels are fine. They have no clue what causes it since 1. I do not take water pills 2. I don't drink caffeine 3. I do not sweat much 4. No medical issues that they could find. I take potassium supplements and a beta blocker to keep heart rate lower. Since starting the supplements I have not had any issues.

Answer 5

I'm a cancer patient and I had a similar problem with my potassium when I let myself begin to get dehydrated. My blood pressure would drop down and I would get weak and light headed. I would recommend drinking plenty of water (avoiding excess caffiene) and maybe finding out if you would benefit from potassium pills, or find food that you like that are rich in potassium.

Answer 6

usually potassium drops because of diuresis, loss of large amounts of body fluid.

Answer 7

it's usually from a loss of fluids, either from illness or diaretics. if you consume lots of caffiene, try taking some potassium suplements. you can get them at any pharmacy.

Answer 8

There are many medical conditions that could cause this and without knowing more of your medical history this is nearly impossible to answer. You need to ask your doctor why this is occurring.

Answer 9

Do you have kidney problems?