Hypokalemia is a condition that occurs when the potassium level in your blood dips below normal. If potassium levels drop too low, it can be life-threatening, as potassium is necessary for nerve and muscle cells to function properly. Common causes of hypokalemia include diarrhea and vomiting as well as chronic kidney failure. Certain drugs may also cause hypokalemia such as overuse of diuretics and antibiotics like penicillin.
Cardiovascular Side Effects
Hypokalemia can lead to hypotension, or low blood pressure and arrythmias, according to the Merck Manual. The arrythmias become more severe as the potassium levels decrease and will eventually result in ventricular fibrillation--a state when the heart can no longer contract properly--and heart failure. Individuals with heart disease or who are taking diuretics prescribed for high blood pressure should be monitored as these conditions increase the risk of the above cardiovascular side effects, even with mild decreases in potassium levels.
Musculoskeletal Side Effects
Normally, most potassium is found within muscles--including heart muscle--where it controls their ability to contract. According to the Merck Manual, without enough potassium, muscles become weak and even minute decreases in potassium levels can result in changes throughout the body. Patients with hypokalemia may experience muscle spasms or cramps. If the hypokalemic state worsens, this could lead to lung failure, due to paralysis of respiratory muscles.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Although hypokalemia can be caused by diarrhea, a side effect of this condition is constipation. The National Institutes of Health explains that constipation may occur as the body tries to conserve the electrolytes and potassium that were lost from the intestines. The Merck Manual warns that failure to treat hypokalemia could cause parts of the intestine to become paralyzed, resulting in obstruction of bowel movements.
