Potassium is an electrolyte that needs to be maintained at specific levels in the body. When the levels of potassium in the blood get too low, it is known as a condition called hypokalemia. There are many causes of low potassium that can result in this condition. Left untreated, low potassium levels can lead to heart attacks and other life-threatening medical problems.
Vomiting
Chronic vomiting can lead to low potassium. This is not a result of the loss of potassium from vomiting. Instead, it is a result of the loss of acid that occurs with vomiting. The kidneys try to compensate for this loss by excreting potassium in the urine, which causes an electrolyte imbalance. Low potassium does not usually occur with acute bouts of vomiting that occur during a stomach virus or an episode of the flu. It more commonly occurs in cases of chronic vomiting caused by terminal illnesses, medications and eating disorders.
Renal Impairment
The kidneys are responsible for maintaining normal levels of electrolytes in the blood. This means that the organs need to function properly to maintain the right amounts of sodium, potassium, bicarbonate and chloride. When the kidneys do not function properly due to kidney disease, renal failure or the use of drugs that cause kidney damage, they are unable to maintain adequate electrolyte levels. The level of potassium in the blood may drop slightly below normal or even drop to levels that can be life-threatening.
Diuretics
Diuretics, also known as "water pills," are used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. They work to increase the excretion of sodium, which allows excess fluid to be excreted from the body. Loop diuretics and thiazide diuretics can cause the levels of potassium in the blood to drop below normal. Diuretics known as "potassium-sparing diuretics" do not cause low potassium. Examples of diuretics that can cause low potassium include chlorothiazide, hydrochlorothiazide and bumetanide.
Eating Disorders
According to a 1995 study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, eating disorders have been linked to low potassium levels. Study investigators from Yale University found that 4.6 percent of the study participants (outpatients with eating disorders) had hypokalemia. They also found that the hypokalemia occurred mostly in anorexics and bulimics who used laxatives or vomited daily. The study investigators concluded that anorexics who simply restricted their caloric intakes were not at an increased risk for developing hypokalemia.
Excessive Laxative Use
Excessive laxative use can lead to low potassium levels, especially when laxatives are used at the same time as diuretics. It is difficult to determine this as a cause of low potassium levels because many abusers deny using laxatives when asked about their medical histories. Excessive laxative use is often seen in eating disorders because of the potential for weight loss associated with these drugs. Long-term use of laxatives can cause potassium levels to drop to a level that can cause heart problems and other life-threatening conditions.
Excess Aldosterone
Excess aldosterone is produced as a result of a condition known as primary hyperaldosteronism. Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It works with the kidneys to maintain proper electrolyte levels in the body. When too much aldosterone is produced, the kidneys excrete more potassium and less sodium. This leads to low potassium levels. Patients being followed for this condition will have their aldosterone, potassium and sodium levels tested regularly.
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