Potassium exists in the body as an electrolyte, or electrically charged mineral. The cells of the body are electrically charged, and use electrical currents to communicate and initiate work, such as the contraction of muscles or the heart, or the transfer of information to and from nerves in the body and brain. As such, potassium is an important electrolyte in the body, and depletion leading to low potassium, also known as hypokalemia, can cause significant problems that should be diagnosed and managed with the help of a health care professional.
Causes
Low potassium has four general causes, not including potassium that is falsely measured to be low by a laboratory. One common cause is loss of potassium through the kidneys and urine. This can occur from hormone imbalances and medications, for example. A second cause is loss through the gastrointestinal tract or skin, as from diarrhea, vomiting and excessive sweating. The third cause is a shifting of the potassium in blood into the cells. Hormones, drugs and other diseases can cause this. The fourth cause is inadequate potassium intake.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Potassium depletion may go unnoticed, or in other words be asymptomatic, but that does not mean it is not dangerous. If symptoms develop, they may include heart palpitations, muscle pains, cramping and weakness. The muscles can even break down, or fail to contract. Weakness in the respiratory muscles can cause trouble breathing.
Complications
Two of the most feared complications from hypokalemia can lead to death. First is the difficulty in breathing that can accompany muscle weakness. The second feared complication is disturbances in the heart rhythm. The heart can become overactive and beat irregularly if your potassium drops too low. This can result in impaired delivery of blood to the organs, including the brain and heart itself.
Treatment
The treatment of low potassium depends on the cause and severity. The most important aspect is to address the underlying cause. For example, if an acid-base imbalance is causing potassium to shift into cells, it is important to fix the imbalance. If the body has been depleted of potassium, it will need to be replaced. Generally oral potassium is the safest method of replacement because the GI tract will absorb it slowly enough for the kidneys to regulate the potassium concentration in the blood. However, if the potassium is dangerously low or causing heart problem, intravenous potassium can be given. IV potassium is given slowly however, because a rapid correction of potassium can cause further heart problems.
References
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Anthony S. Fauci, et al.; 2008
- "Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods"; Richard A. McPherson and Matthew R. Pincus; 2006
- "Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease"; Vinay Kumar, et al.; 2009
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