Numerous conditions can cause hypokalemia, or low serum potassium levels. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, potassium is an important mineral and electrolyte. Potassium is crucial for proper heart function, skeletal muscle contraction and digestion. Hypokalemia is usually caused by the loss of potassium in the urine or intestines, not by a lack of dietary potassium. The UMMC states that hypokalemia can be life-threatening and should always be treated by a qualified health care professional.
Familial Periodic Paralyses
Familial periodic paralyses can cause low serum potassium levels. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, or NINDS, familial periodic paralyses are a group of congenital neurological conditions caused by mutations in genes that control sodium and calcium pathways in nerve cells. Familial periodic paralyses are characterized by bouts of muscle weakness and slackness. Between bouts, a person's muscles function normally. The NINDS states that there are two principle types of familial periodic paralyses: hypokalemic and hyperkalemic. Hypokalemic periodic paralysis involves a decrease in serum potassium levels, whereas hyperkalemic periodic paralysis involves an increase in potassium levels. Hypokalemic periodic paralysis usually begins in adolescence and is brought on by vigorous exercise or high carbohydrate meals. Weakness, which may affect the arms and the legs, ranges from mild to severe, and may last from a few hours to several days.
Hypertension
Hypertension, or long-term elevated blood pressure, can cause decreased serum potassium levels. A 2009 article by medical doctors Antoine C. Abcar and Dean A. Kujubu published in "The Permanente Journal" states that there are many possible causes of low serum potassium levels in a hypertensive patient, including primary aldosteronism, Cushing's syndrome, pheochromocytoma, renal vascular disease and malignant hypertension--extremely high blood pressure that may damage the eyes, brain, heart and kidneys. The most common cause of hypokalemia among people with hypertension, however, is diuretic use. Both thiazide and loop diuretics--common drugs prescribed for hypertension--promote the secretion of potassium from the kidneys. Abcar and Kujubu suggest that, in the absence of diuretic use, hypokalemia in hypertensive individuals deserves further evaluation by a qualified health care professional.
Alcoholism
Alcoholism can cause low serum potassium levels. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, or NIAAA, alcoholism affects almost 17.6 million American adults. There are four principle features associated with alcoholism, including a strong need, or craving, to consume alcohol, an inability to control drinking, physical dependence on alcohol and an increased alcohol tolerance, or the need to consume more alcoholic beverages to get high. Common signs and symptoms associated with alcoholism include decreased serum potassium, drinking alone or in secret, irritability, blacking out and nausea, sweating and shaking when not drinking. Approximately 50 percent of alcoholics hospitalized for withdrawal symptoms have low serum potassium levels. Alcoholism-related hypokalemia may be caused by poor nutrition, excessive vomiting or diarrhea.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Potassium
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: What are Familial Periodic Paralyses?
- "The Permanente Journal"; Hypertension With Hypokalemia; Antoine C Abcar, M.D. et al.; 2009
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: FAQs for the General Public
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