Low potassium levels, or hypokalemia, can cause you to experience an increased heart rate, an irregular heartbeat and an abnormal EKG or electrocardiogram, a test that measures your heart function, according to University of Maryland Medical Center. High potassium levels, or hyperkalemia, can cause you to have a slow and irregular heart beat or cardiac arrest, according to MedlinePlus. Heart disease can also cause both an irregular heart rate and an irregular heart beat. Never use a potassium supplement without consulting your doctor.
Causes of Hypokalemia
When your diet is high in salt or sodium, your body's need for dietary potassium increases. If you are taking either loop or thiazide diuretics, you are at possible risk of hypokalemia. Loop and thiazide diuretics inhibit your absorption of sodium and cause you to lose potassium.
Causes of Hyperkalemia
If you have heart disease, your kidneys can't perform as well. Hyperkalemia is usually caused by your kidneys' inability to excrete excess potassium in your urine, due to kidney failure. Medications that may cause hyperkalemia include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ACE inhibitors, heparin, cyclosporine and beta-blockers. You should avoid using potassium chloride or salt substitute when cooking or flavoring your meals if you take any medications that may cause hyperkalemia.
Dietary Tips for Hypokalemia
If you have hypokalemia, your health care team may advise you to eat more high potassium foods. High potassium foods include dried beans and peas, legumes and soybeans, nuts, bananas, avocados, all citrus fruits, prune juice, olives, baked potatoes, acorn and butternut squash, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, yams and foods seasoned with salt substitute. A registered dietitian can help you with label reading, food selection, meal preparation and menu planning. You should not change your diet without first discussing it with your health care team.
Dietary Tips for Hyperkalemia
If you have hyperkalemia, you should avoid all products containing salt substitute, also known as potassium chloride or KCL on food ingredient labels. You can reduce the potassium content of fruits and vegetables by soaking them or boiling them and discarding the liquid. Unfortunately, this method may also cause the loss of other nutrients. Sports drinks and coffee should be avoided, along with high potassium foods. You should avoid dietary changes unless advised by your doctor.
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