Low Potassium Levels in the Blood

Potassium is a mineral and electrolyte that enables cellular functions in the body. Of acute importance is potassium's role in muscle contraction, especially the operation of the heart muscle. Low potassium levels can either be absolute---caused by loss or input deficiency of the mineral---or only relatively low compared to a high amount of salt in the diet.

Common Causes

• Common causes of low potassium include loss of fluids due to diarrhea, vomiting, laxatives or diuretics; kidney or adrenal gland problems; certain drugs, such as insulin, various asthma medications and some antibiotics; and some cancer treatments.

Sodium Intake

• Sodium and potassium should be consumed in equal amounts for good health, but the typical high-salt American diet upsets that balance. An ensuing relatively low potassium level inhibits the mineral from operating normally and creates a de facto low-potassium state.

Symptoms

• Many symptoms of low potassium are mild--such as stomach pain, heart palpitations and tingling or numbness in the arms or legs. Symptoms in more than one category of heart, nerves, kidneys, or gastrointestinal tract could be related to low potassium.

Problems

• Low potassium inhibits effective cell function, especially in the muscles. Most commonly, this can cause heart-related problems such as stroke and high or low blood pressure.

Treatment

• Avoiding added salt in food and eliminating strenuous activity can quickly help balance potassium levels. Supplements can replace potassium lost through use of drugs or treatments. Serious cases with impending consequences may require hospitalization for professionally administered potassium.

Children

• Low potassium in children hinders lung development. Routine blood work can spot low potassium in developing children.