Potassium is the major positively charged electrolyte in the cell; sodium, on the other hand, is the major positively charged electrolyte outside the cell. Sodium and potassium are required at optimal concentrations for the cells of function properly. When potassium concentration is below 3.5 milliequivalents, or mEq, per liter of blood, it is considered deficient in blood. Low blood potassium, in some cases, is accompanied by high blood sodium.
Causes of Low Blood Potassium
Low blood potassium, together with high blood sodium, is caused by hyperaldosteronism- a condition of excess aldosterone production. Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland for the regulation of sodium; it increases sodium reabsorption in the kidneys but increases the excretion of potassium. Other causes of low blood potassium include vomiting, diarrhea and renal failure.
Symptoms of Low Blood Potassium
Low blood potassium is commonly associated with weakness of the muscles, fatigue and muscle cramps. During the intestines, low blood potassium can slow down the transit time of stool and thereby, leading to constipation as a result of increased water reabsorption from stool. Low blood potassium is interruptive to heart rhythm; it can cause arrhythmias.
Symptoms of high Blood Sodium
Alterations in sodium concentration, commonly affects the brain and the circulation of blood. High blood sodium causes a change in the shape of brain cells, thereby, affecting how they function; seizures can result from high blood sodium. High blood sodium, increases the blood volume by attractive water from the cells and into the blood vessels; high blood sodium can elevate the blood pressure.
Hyperaldosteronism
In hyperaldosteronism, there is high sodium and low potassium in the blood. Aldosterone production is stimulated by low blood sodium and high blood potassium; high aldosterone secretion in the presence of normal or high blood sodium, usually indicates an abnormal production of aldosterone by a tumor. Several conditions can cause a secondary increase in aldosterone production and they include cirrhosis of the liver, congestive heart failure and nephrotic syndrome; in these conditions, there is decreased blood flow to the kidneys which is also interpreted by the kidneys as low sodium.
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