Usually, after developing hypertension, it is necessary to strictly follow the doctor’s guidance to improve the condition with medication. Although the situation of elevated blood pressure improves with the use of antihypertensive drugs, these medications may have some side effects. It is advisable to pay close attention to any bodily changes during the medication period or undergo regular check-ups because any harm caused by the medication should be promptly reported to the doctor for potential adjustments to prevent certain side effects. Prolonged medication use may lead to hypokalemia. So, what symptoms should be regarded with suspicion?
1. Difficulty breathing
Hypokalemia may be related to long-term use of antihypertensive drugs, which can result in excessive excretion of potassium ions, leading to an imbalance. Under the influence of hypokalemia, the body may exhibit various symptoms. For instance, the respiratory system may be affected. Many patients experience difficulty breathing or weakness in breathing during the process due to the abnormal functioning of the nervous system caused by hypokalemia. If such a situation occurs, it is advisable to undergo a detailed examination at a hospital to assess any changes in indicators before treatment and medication adjustments are made.
2. Abnormal heart rate
The heart is a vital organ in the human body that functions properly when indicators are stable and blood circulation is good. However, prolonged use of antihypertensive drugs may lead to hypokalemia if there is continuous loss of potassium ions, resulting in insufficient cardiac power and a decline in function.
An adverse outcome of this is changes in heart rate, as some individuals develop arrhythmias related to persistent hypokalemia. If there is a connection with this issue, specific treatment is necessary to promptly replenish an adequate amount of potassium ions and adopt other effective treatment methods for hypertension.
3. Fatigue
Having a good mental state and maintaining muscle excitability is due to an adequate supply of potassium ions. However, prolonged use of antihypertensive drugs may increase the loss of potassium ions the body needs, leading to a deficiency of potassium ions that can affect muscle function in patients to varying degrees.
In a healthy individual, a good mental state does not result in fatigue. If there is an unexplained feeling of fatigue, it could be due to a lack of potassium ions. Even without excessive exertion or adequate sleep, limbs may still feel weak and fatigue may be noticeable when there is a deficiency of potassium ions. The situation needs to be improved through proper treatment and prompt acquisition of potassium ions.
4. Decreased appetite
A normal individual usually has a good appetite and can obtain the necessary nutrition through regular meals to maintain normal life activities. However, when there is a significant loss of potassium ions leading to a deficiency, it can affect the functioning of the digestive system, resulting in reduced intestinal motility and slowed digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Many patients may experience symptoms like constipation, decreased appetite, bloating, vomiting, among others, which are unique manifestations of the digestive system that need to be distinguished from common gastrointestinal diseases to determine if there is a deficiency of potassium ions. Some patients may have severe conditions but neglect them, leading to confusion with other diseases, which could potentially cause paralytic ileus.
