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Potassium Deficiency Symptoms in People

Potassium deficiency is called hypokalemia. Symptoms of potassium deficiency can be mild, causing no symptoms. Severe hypokalemia can lead to cardiac arrest from heart rhythm disturbance. Potassium is excreted by the kidneys. People with kidney disease are prone to high levels of potassium. Potassium is one of the electrolytes found inside the cells of the body. Potassium deficiency in people may be associated with an underlying medical cause.

  1. Function

    • Potassium is an important electrolyte that regulates nerve and muscle function, and aids the digestive process. Potassium deficiency in people can cause weakness and disturb electrical conduction of signals in the heart. Potassium balance is dependent on other electrolytes in the cells that must also be in balance--magnesium and sodium. Any upset of the body's electrolytes might cause potassium deficiency, or hypokalemia inside the cells. Potassium is essential for normal kidney function.

    Effects

    • The effects of hypokalemia, or potassium deficiency, cause muscle weakness, heart rhythm disturbances, lack of energy and muscle cramps. Digestive problems are also associated with potassium deficiency. Hypokalemia may cause minor elevations of blood pressure.

    Causes of Potassium Deficiency

    • Poor dietary intake of foods that contain potassium can cause hypokalemia. Other causes of potassium deficiency include viral or bacterial illnesses that cause fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea. Medications, such as diuretics (fluid pills), can cause potassium deficiency in people. Intestinal disorders that prevent absorption of nutrients can cause hypokalemia, such as Crohn's disease.

    Identification

    • Identification of potassium deficiency can be obtained through a simple blood test. Normal potassium level should range between 3.5 and 5.0. If you have a potassium deficiency, the underlying cause should be corrected.

    Treatment of Potassium Deficiency

    • Potassium supplements, obtained by prescriptions or given intravenously in the hospital, can correct potassium deficiency. Loss of potassium from taking fluid pills may require daily potassium supplements. Usually, correction of the underlying cause of potassium deficiency will eliminate the problem. Persistent signs of hypokalemia should be investigated to determine the cause.

    Warning

    • Never take potassium supplements without your physician's guidance.

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