Potassium is a mineral found inside body cells. Potassium is essential to maintaining proper function of all cells, tissues and organs in the human body. Low potassium in the blood is a metabolic condition, clinically known as hypokalemia. It can be life-threatening and should always be treated by a doctor. Certain conditions increase the risk of potassium deficiency, such as eating disorders, diarrhea, kidney dysfunction, excessive production of aldosterone produced by the adrenals.
Muscle Weakness
Sings and symptoms of low plasma concentration can be related to impaired neuromuscular transmission, the most severe of which is sudden muscle weakness, called cataplexy, notes the Oregon State University. Severe muscular weakness occasionally proceeds to flaccid paralysis and limpness. Other symptoms of low potassium levels can include fatigue, confusion, extreme thirst, leg discomfort and frequent urination.
Cardiac Arrhythmias
Potassium is also an electrolyte and is able to transport electric current to where it is needed in the body. Electrolytic imbalances, such as low potassium levels in the blood, can cause irregular heart rhythms resulting from premature or extra beats. This heart condition is known as cardiac arrhythmia. It can be life-threatening and should be treated by a doctor.
Stomach Problems
People with low potassium levels often experience stomach and intestinal distress because it paralyzes intestinal muscles and stimulates intestinal cramps, a painful involuntary spasmodic muscle contraction, explains the Oregon State University. People also have trouble absorbing nutrients from their intestine. Common intestinal problems include bloating, constipation and abdominal pain.
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