Low Potassium Symptoms

Potassium is one of the most important electrolytes in the body. Ninety-eight percent of potassium is produced within the cells. Small decreases in potassium levels usually present no problems, but increasingly low levels of potassium, a condition known as hypokalemia, can cause significant problems in bodily functions, especially with the heart, muscles and nerves.

Function

• The kidneys have to remove 70 to 100 mEq of potassium daily. If too much is removed, low potassium levels are achieved. The serum range for potassium is 3.5 to 5.0.

Identification

• Symptoms of low potassium levels include muscle-twitching, weakness in the muscles, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, nausea, cramping and bloating, increased urination, constipation, low blood pressure, and fainting.

Features

• Low potassium levels occur for different reasons. Common causes of hypokalemia include excessive diarrhea, diuretics and laxatives, magnesium deficiency, and excessive vomiting.

Considerations

• Other causes of low potassium levels include kidney failure, leukemia, medications used to treat asthma and emphysema, certain antibiotics, and insulin.

Prevention/Solution

• A healthy diet--including bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, tomatoes, and peaches--will prevent potassium levels from dropping.