Your body needs potassium in order to function properly, according to Medline Plus. Stable potassium levels help to ensure that the heart and nervous system continue operating normally. Potassium is obtained exclusively from food. Your kidneys help maintain normal levels of potassium by eliminating excess amounts of this dietary mineral in the urine. Low potassium or hypokalemia is a metabolic condition that can be caused by chronic fasting, eating disorders, prolonged or excessive use of laxatives or by taking diuretics.
Irregular Heart Rhythm
One of the possible symptoms of hypokalemia is an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia, according to the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center College of Medicine. Arrhythmia can cause the heart to beat too fast or too slow. Symptoms of arrhythmia may include heart palpitations, sweating and fainting.
In severe cases arrhythmia can lead to a heart attack or lung paralysis. Seek medical attention right away if you experience chest pain or shortness of breath, advises Chemocare.com.
A blood test that measures potassium levels can detect hypokalemia. Normal blood potassium levels range betwen 3.5 to 5.0 milliequivalents per liter or mEq/L of blood. A urine sample can identify the cause of hypokalemia
Muscle Dysfunction
Low levels of potassium may lead to a breakdown of muscle fiber known as rhabdomyolysis. Rabdomyolysis causes myoglobin or muscle fiber contents to be discharged into the bloodstream. These fibers are potentially damaging to the kidneys, reports Medline Plus.
Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis may include tender, stiff or aching muscles. Urine also may turn darker or become red or brownish in color.
In some cases low potassium can cause muscles spasms or a weakening of muscles.
Other Possible Symptoms
Low potassium may cause leg discomfort, confusion, extreme thirst, frequent urination, constipation, cramps, nausea and diarrhea
Contact your health care provider if diarrhea is severe, nausea prevents you from eating or if vomiting occurs every few hours.
Children and infants with gastrointestinal illnesses that cause chronic diarrhea and vomiting can suffer a fatal heart attack when potassium levels become extremely low, warns Chemocare.com.
In the vast majority of cases low potassium can be treated by eating more potassium rich foods such as bananas, raisins and prune juice. In extreme cases of hypokalemia intravenous potassium must be administered in a hospital.
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