- With Mayo Clinic hematologist
Ruben Mesa, M.D.
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Ruben Mesa, M.D.
Ruben A. Mesa, M.D.
Ruben A. Mesa, M.D., is board certified in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology and is a consultant and section head in the Division of Hematology and Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., and an associate professor of medicine at Mayo Medical School.
The Chicago-area native's primary field of interest is hematology with special interests in both acute and chronic leukemias — specifically the chronic myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs).
"I believe patients' understanding of their disease is a critical first step in the healing process," he says. "I believe that the Internet, carefully used, is a phenomenal resource for patients to be able to access high-quality and valuable information to understand both their diseases and various treatments."
Dr. Mesa has been with Mayo Clinic throughout his training since 1991 and is a graduate of Mayo Medical School. He is a member of the American Society of Hematology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American College of Physicians.
His scholarship has focused on advancing the understanding and therapy of the chronic myeloproliferative disorders. In these disorders, he has been active in evaluating novel therapeutics, implementing clinical trials, working with quality of life studies, and actively involved with national patient groups.
He is supported in these efforts by research funding from the National Cancer Institute, the MPD Foundation, and Mayo Clinic's Hematologic Malignancy Program. He is principal investigator in several trials specifically for myelofibrosis, and is organizing a trial using exercise to counteract MPD-associated fatigue. He is committed to improving the therapy and quality of life in MPD patients. He has lectured both nationally and internationally on these disorders.
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Question
Low potassium (hypokalemia): What causes it?
What causes low potassium?
Answer
from Ruben Mesa, M.D.
Potassium is an electrolyte that is critical to the function of nerve and muscles cells, including those in your heart. Low potassium (hypokalemia) has many causes. The most common cause of low potassium is excessive potassium loss in urine or from the gastrointestinal tract, such as due to:
- Certain diuretics
- Chronic or severe vomiting or diarrhea
- Impaired kidney function
- Overproduction of a hormone (aldosterone) that causes your kidneys to excrete more potassium
- Excessive use of laxatives
- Eating disorders
Rarely, low potassium is due to not getting enough potassium in your diet. Your serum potassium is normally 3.6 to 4.8 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). Having a very low level of potassium (less than 2.5 mEq/L) can be life-threatening and requires emergency medical attention. Signs and symptoms of low potassium include:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Constipation
- Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
Treatment of low potassium is directed at the underlying cause and may include potassium supplements. If you're concerned about your potassium level, talk to your doctor.
