Potassium is a mineral responsible for the electrical and cellular body functions. Having an extremely low level of potassium in the blood is called hypokalemia and is normally the resultant symptom of another disease or condition. The main function of potassium in the body is support contractions of various muscles, including those of the heart. Several signs and symptoms manifest in a patient with hypokalemia.
Rhabdomyolysis
As stated by MedlinePlus, one of the main potassium deficiency signs and symptoms in a patient is rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis can be simply defined as the breakdown of muscle fibers which in turn results into the releasing of muscle fiber contents called myoglobin into the patient's bloodstream. The myoglobin once it has been broken down forms extremely harmful compounds that block the structures of the kidney. This can cause problems like acute tubular necrosis, which is death of the cells forming the renal tubes, and/or kidney failure. The dead muscle tissue can also lead to other bigger problems such as fatal shock.
Heart Arrhythmia
A major symptom of potassium deficiency, according to MedlinePlus, is heart arrhythmia. Heart arrhythmia is described as the abnormal beating of the heart. The main function of potassium in the body is to help with the constriction of various muscle groups in the body, including those of the heart. When there is a significant lack of potassium in the blood, the heart will not be able to constrict as it normally would, with the end result being cardiac arrest or heart attack.
Paralysis
MedlinePlus describes paralysis as one of the major potassium deficiency signs and symptoms that occur in patients. Because the major function of potassium in the body is to electrically stimulate muscles, without it, the muscles wither. The paralysis will begin with the skeletal muscles, but with time, even the lungs can become paralyzed leading to the death of the patient.
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