In hypokalemia, what is the lowest survivable potassium level?

Question

I have potassium wasting renal tubular acidosis secondary to Sjogren's Syndrome. I have had extremely low potassium levels, falling well below 2.0. I am curious to know how low it can go and still be survivable.

Answer 1

I don't have any info on how long you could live with a level that low.  The normal range for serum potassium is pretty narrow to begin with...3.5 to 5 mEq/L, so even a 2.0 is quite a drop.

I wouldn't think that you could go for long with a number like that.   My best guess wouldn't even give you 12 hours.

Answer 2

I had 1.9 potassium level and the dr told me that only 15% survive with levels that low.  I was paralyzed and in ICU.

Answer 3

It's not so much being able to live without potassium... certain structures (especially the heart) rely on the sodium/potassium pump to work properly. If you've had Sjogren's for awhile, your body probably adapted to having relative hypokalemia, but once you start dropping below 3.0, you're at MAJOR risk for cardiac arrhythmias, which is what would potentially kill you.