Hypokalemia is the medical term for low levels of potassium in the blood. Because potassium is essential for proper nerve and muscle function, very low levels of potassium can cause serious problems. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of low potassium levels in the blood can help doctors make an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment to prevent complications.
Causes
Because potassium-rich foods are in plentiful supply in the United States, a lack of potassium in the diet is a rare cause of hypokalemia. The most common cause of this condition is too much potassium loss from the urine or digestive system. This can occur as a result of diarrhea, laxative abuse, kidney failure, vomiting, diuretics that increase potassium excretion, eating disorders and primary aldosteronism.
Signs and Symptoms
Small decreases in potassium levels usually do not cause any symptoms. Significant drops in potassium can cause constipation, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, fatigue, abnormal heart rhythm, paralysis and breakdown of muscle fibers. These can indicate the need for a potassium blood test.
Diagnosis
Potassium levels can be tested using a single potassium test, but they are more commonly checked with a basic metabolic panel or a comprehensive metabolic panel. In a basic metabolic panel, a blood sample is analyzed to determine levels of sodium, chloride, potassium, bicarbonate, calcium, glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. The comprehensive metabolic panel tests for everything in the basic metabolic panel, along with bilirubin, ALP, AST, ALT, total protein and albumin. Because the breakage of red blood cells can cause a false positive result for high potassium, an abnormally high test result may be confirmed with another blood test. An electrocardiogram may also be done to determine if low potassium levels have caused changes in a person's heart rhythm.
Treatment
Treatment for low potassium levels depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Mild hypokalemia can be treated with increased dietary intake of potassium or potassium supplements. If potassium levels have dropped to very low levels, emergency treatment with intravenous potassium may be given to prevent serious heart problems.
Risks and Complications
Very low potassium levels can cause serious problems with the heart, muscles and nerves. Abnormal heart rhythm caused by hypokalemia can lead to death if not treated in a timely manner. While paralysis caused by hypokalemia is reversible, sudden paralysis is dangerous because it can happen while driving or operating heavy equipment. This can lead to serious injury or death.
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