HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes Low Potassium Levels In A Person With Stage 4 Breast Cancer?

Posted on Fri, 17 Apr 2015

Question: I have active stage IV breast cancer. Recently a routine blood test showed I had low potassium 2.9. Everyone freaked out and said I had to have an infusion of potassium. It took 4 hours. What would have happened if I had not had this done--if I had not happened to have had a blood test scheduled?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The most worrisome symptoms are irregular heart beats!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this battle against breast cancer and the finding of low potassium levels. I really wish you the best of possible outcomes as you continue treatment against this disease condition. Honestly, you would never walk alone and I am optimistic your physicians would never relent their efforts bringing the best and safest treatment options to you.

The most feared complication of low potassium are irregular heartbeats that can result in the heart not working properly. This occurs at very low levels. Initial symptoms of low potassium include muscle weakness, constipation, fatigue, etc. However, these are often not specific and need a high suspicion to catch them. I am sure the routine test could have been justify by a drug known to cause this condition that you might be taking.

The most common cause are medications. if you are on drugs such as water pills, this is the most likely cause.What medication are you on? Can you also upload your results for a second look? Also, did your doctor prescribe a potassium supplement in addition to consuming foods rich in potassium? An finally, were you scheduled for any follow up checks? This is very crucial.

I hope this addresses your query fully. I wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be and I would gladly address them. Thank you so much for trusting us with your health worries this day.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (5 hours later)

Thank you Dr. Ditch. I cannot uploads records because they are not electronic but I can tell you I had a week earlier finished 10 radiation treatments to my hip and spine. The spinal radiation went throughly stomach and esophagus and the burning kept me off solid food for over a week. Also I had just begun a new chemo--Xeloda -- so though I had all the symptoms you mentioned I assumed they were due to the chemo and radiation. I was not put on a supplement but was given a list of foods I should try to eat. My next lab test had my potassium at 3.2-- still low but not dangerously so. Do you think I should take a supplement?

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is rising on the foods and we should continue!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for this detailed information. I am a fan of food as medications. Because your potassium levels are rising on these foods, I will suggest you continue with and let's monitor again. I would only recommend supplements if this fails to happen.

I wish you well. Good diet is a great way to eat. Fibers, fruits, vegetables would help you stay strong and a lot healthier.

I hope this addresses your query. Keep me posted. I wish you well.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar