Problems With Low Potassium

The body requires a specific level of potassium in the blood to function. The normal range of potassium is between 3.5 and 5.0 milliequivalents per liter, anything lower interferes with the body's muscle and nerve function by disrupting electrical activity. Low blood potassium levels, a condition known as hypokalemia, are caused by potassium moving from the blood into the cells, or the kidneys filtering too much potassium from the blood.

Causes

• Kidney disfunction can cause excess potassium secretion. Drugs such as loop diuretics, steroids, aspirin, or certain antibiotics may cause the kidneys to excrete excess potassium leading to hypokalemia. Potassium loss can also be caused by severe diarrhea or vomiting, eating disorders, or excessive use of laxatives. Hormone imbalances such as increased aldosterone levels or endocrine problems such as those caused by Aldosteronism or Cushing's syndrome also decrease potassium levels.

Symptoms

• Leg cramps are one of the most common symptoms of low potassium. Fatigue, confusion, muscle weakness, or muscle pain also indicate moderate hypokalemia. More severe hypokalemia causes increased confusion, memory problems, depression, constipation, and heart palpitations or arrhythmias. If left untreated low blood potassium levels can cause possibly fatal problems with the heart or breathing due to muscle impairment.

Significance

• Muscles and nerves use potassium in the exchange of electrical potential. The sodium-potassium pump works to move nutrients into and out of the cells, providing energy to the muscles and enabling nerves to send signals throughout the body. Low potassium levels result in disruption of this process causing problems with all bodily functions when muscles and nerves are unable to respond properly to stimuli.

Treatments

• Treatment for hypokalemia depends on the severity of the condition and begins with treatment of the symptoms and causes. Potassium may be given intravenously or by mouth, and a diet high in potassium recommended. Diet is the best way to raise potassium levels as supplements can be irritating to the stomach. The doctor may need to change the medication regimen or include additional medication to decrease the risk of potassium loss.

Warning

• The regulation of other electrolytes such as sodium, magnesium and calcium depends on potassium, as does the balance of pH in the body. Potassium maintains proper functioning of the nerves and muscles and is especially important to the heart. There is the possibility of a heart attack if the loss of potassium is especially severe. Any problems with the kidneys exacerbate deficiencies in potassium. You should talk to your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms of low potassium, especially if you have kidney problems or are taking diuretics.