E87: Other disorders of fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance
E87.6: Hypokalaemia
Potassium is very important for the cells in our body. The right amounts of potassium must be present in the blood for our cells to be able to work properly. The amount of potassium in the blood is affected for instance by messenger substances and the kidneys.
Your blood potassium levels were too low. That can occur for instance if you excrete too much potassium. You may lose a lot of potassium due to severe diarrhea or severe vomiting. Some drugs or a diseased kidney can also cause a lot of potassium to be excreted. You may also have too little potassium in your blood if you consume insufficient potassium with your food. Potassium is included in potatoes, bananas and vegetables, for example. The fluid balance in the body also affects the potassium content in the blood.
If you have too little potassium in your body, you may have various symptoms. You may feel weak and tired. You may have an irregular heartbeat or you might get cramps in your muscles.
Patient Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended for self-diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health.
If you see an ICD diagnosis code (e.g., on a medical report), be aware that doctors may also include additional indicators to express diagnostic certainty. Only a healthcare professional can interpret these codes accurately in the context of your individual case.
For a complete understanding of your condition and what the diagnosis means for you, please speak directly with your doctor.