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Copyright 1990, 2003
Synonyms of Hypokalemia
- Hypokalemic Syndrome
- Hypopotassemia Syndrome
- Low Potassium Syndrome
- Nephritis, Potassium-Losing
- Potassium Loss Syndrome
Disorder Subdivisions
General Discussion
Hypokalemia is a metabolic imbalance characterized by extremely low potassium levels in the blood. It is a symptom of another disease or condition, or a side effect of diuretic drugs. The body needs potassium for the contraction of muscles (including the heart), and for the functioning of many complicated proteins (enzymes). Potassium is found primarily in the skeletal muscle and bone, and participates with sodium to contribute to the normal flow of body fluids between the cells in the body. The normal concentration of potassium in the body is regulated by the kidneys through the excretion of urine. When the kidneys are functioning normally, the amount of potassium in the diet is sufficient for use by the body and the excess is usually excreted through urine and sweat. Body chemicals and hormones such as aldosterone also regulate potassium balance. Secretion of the hormone insulin, which is normally stimulated by food, prevents a temporary diet-induced Hypokalemia by increasing cell absorption of potassium. When Hypokalemia occurs, there is an imbalance resulting from a dysfunction in this normal process, or the rapid loss of urine or sweat without replacement of sufficient potassium.
Organizations related to Hypokalemia
- CLIMB (Children Living with Inherited Metabolic Diseases)
Climb Building
176 Nantwich Road
Crewe Intl CW2 6BG
Phone #: +44- 87-0 7700 325
800 #: --
e-mail: info.svcs@climb.org.uk
Home page: http://www.CLIMB.org.uk
- Digestive Disease National Coalition
507 Capitol Court, NE
Suite 200
Washington DC 20002
Phone #: 202-544-7497
800 #: --
e-mail: ddnc@hmcw.org
Home page: http://www.ddnc.org
- Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
PO Box 8126
Gaithersburg MD 20898-8126
Phone #: 301-251-4925
800 #: 888-205-2311
e-mail: ordr@od.nih.gov
Home page: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/Default.aspx
- MUMS (Mothers United for Moral Support, Inc) National Parent-to-Parent Network
150 Custer Court
Green Bay WI 54301-1243
Phone #: 920-336-5333
800 #: 877-336-5333
e-mail: mums@netnet.net
Home page: http://www.netnet.net/mums/
- Muscular Dystrophy Association
3300 E. Sunrise Dr
Tucson AZ 85718
Phone #: 520-529-2000
800 #: 800-344-4863
e-mail: mda@mdausa.org
Home page: http://www.mdausa.org
- NIH/National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive & Kidney Diseases
Endocrine Diseases Metabolic Diseases Branch
2 Information Way
Bethesda MD 20892-3570
Phone #: 301-654-3810
800 #: --
e-mail: NDDIC@info.niddk.nih.gov
Home page: http://www.niddk.nih.gov
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