Potassium is a mineral (electrolyte) used by the body to function. Low blood potassium (hypokalemia) is a condition in which the body is not getting enough potassium. Causes of hypokalemia are chronic kidney disease, low magnesium, and sweating. Symptoms of low potassium include palpitations and muscle aches. Usually, people with infections like the stomach flu will recover on their own. However, in severe cases you may be hospitalized.

Low potassium or hypokalemia is a decrease in blood potassium levels, which is caused by colon polyps, vomiting, diarrhea, medications, and laxatives. Foods in the diet are how the body absorbs potassium. Symptoms of low potassium in the blood include palpitations, muscle cramps, and muscle aches. Treatment for low potassium is low potassium through diet IV.

Hyperkalemia (high blood potassium) is abnormally high potassium levels in the blood. Hyperkalemia symptoms include nausea, muscle weakness, tingling sensations. Medications and certain medical conditions are hyperkalemia causes.

Read about blood electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate) and the effects of electrolyte imbalances like kidney failure, low blood pressure, hypokalemia, and hyperkalemia.

Edema is swelling caused by fluid accumulation in the tissues of the body and occurs most often in the legs, feet, ankles, or hands. Learn about different types, symptoms, causes, and treatment.

Periodic paralysis syndrome describes seven to eight different types of rare genetic conditions that cause symptoms of episodic muscle weakness and paralysis. Episodes of paralysis can occur in only certain areas of the body, like an arm or leg, or the whole body. Hypokalemic and normokalemic are two kinds of this genetic problem. Treatment depends upon the type. There is no cure for these syndromes.

A muscle cramp is an involuntarily contracted muscle that won't relax. Get information on muscle cramps (charley horses), including leg cramps, causes (vitamin deficiency, drugs, lactic acid, dehydration, low calcium, potassium or magnesium), treatment, home remedies, and prevention.

Treatment for high blood pressure includes lifestyle modifications (alcohol, smoking, coffee, salt, diet, exercise), drugs, and medications. Learn about alternative treatment, prevention, risks, and complications.

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an abnormal heart rhythm that causes an irregular and rapid heartbeat. Medications to treat AFib include beta-blockers, blood thinners, and heart rhythm drugs. AFib medications can cause side effects.

Interstitial cystitis (IC)/painful bladder syndrome (PBS) is an inflammatory disease of the bladder that can cause ulceration and bleeding of the bladder's lining and can lead to scarring and stiffening of the bladder. Symptoms of interstitial cystitis vary, but can include pelvic or bladder pain, frequent urination, and urinary urgency.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a life-threatening complication that affects people with type 1 diabetes. Learn about symptoms, complications, treatment, and prevention.

Read about dehydration in children, adults, symptoms, and signs (thirst, dry mouth, dark urine), causes (vomiting, diarrhea). Causes of dehydration are diarrhea, vomiting, excessive sweating, and diseases or conditions like diabetes or severe skin burns.

Kidney (Renal) failure (acute or chronic) occurs when the kidneys no longer function well and the end stage of kidney failure. Some people have symptoms of kidney failure while others do not; however whey they do occur they include shortness of breath, generalized swelling, and congestive heart failure. Causes of acute and chronic kidney failure include medications, cancer, and cirrhosis. Kidney failure can be treated with medications, lifestyle changes, dialysis, and kidney transplant. There is no cure for kidney failure.

Use this list of common medical abbreviations and terminology used by doctors, medical specialists, RNs, PAs, and other health-care professionals to help you read and decipher the information on your prescriptions and doctors' medical notes.

Learn about the DASH diet for high blood pressure. The DASH diet includes eliminating high salt, fat, and sugary foods and drinks from the diet (for example, meat dishes, pizza, soups, prepackaged foods), and replacing them with healthier options.

Read about premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) or premature heartbeats that originate from the heart ventricles. Causes of PVCs include heart attacks, high blood pressure, COPD, medications, alcohol, excess caffeine, and more.

Diuretics: FAQs - Information on diuretic drugs and the diseases and conditions they are prescribed for; high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart disease, osteoporosis, kidney failure, cirrhosis, and glaucoma. Including uses, types, side effect, and drug interaction.

Learn about 10 types of high blood pressure (hypertension) medication, the selection of best HBP medications, drug list, side effects, drug interactions, and more.

Learn about ACE Inhibitors, a class of drugs prescribed for high blood pressure, heart failure, hypertension related kidney disease, stroke prevention, and other conditions. Side Effects, types, uses, and interaction are also included.