Your heart is a powerful muscle that sends blood, oxygen and nutrients to almost all parts of your body. In order to pump properly, your cardiac muscles require a delicate balance of electrolytes. Potassium, sodium and calcium are among the chief electrolytes your heart needs in order to contract. If even one of these minerals is deficient, your heart will be unable to function properly.
Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia is a metabolic disorder that occurs when potassium levels in the body drop significantly. Potassium levels normally range from 3.7 to 5.2 mEq/L, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. Mild hypokalemia is usually asymptomatic, but once levels are drastically below 3.7 mEq/L, you will experience severe symptoms. Symptoms include a breakdown of muscle, constipation, fatigue, muscle spasms, paralysis and kidney damage.
Effects on the Heart
In severe cases of hypokalemia, the heart is adversely effected. Potassium is required for the proper regulation of the heartbeat, and therefore, hypokalemia often leads to abnormal heartbeats, or arrhythmias. Most often, hypokalemia extends the interval of the heartbeat and this can lead to sudden cardiac death, an article appearing in the August issue of ""American Family Physician" reports. The arrhythmias are easily seen in a routine electrocardiogram and can sometimes be heard by listening to the heart with a stethoscope. Patients with arrhythmias associated with hypokalemia may experience chest pain and sudden fainting while exercising or under stress. Arrhythmias are a medical emergency, and if you think you are suffering from hypokalemia or arrhythmias, contact your doctor immediately.
Causes of Hypokalemia
Low potassium levels are caused by a variety of conditions. Certain medications called diuretics can cause an increased excretion of potassium in the urine, MayoClinic.com warns. Severe diarrhea or excessive use of laxatives can cause hypokalemia. If you have an eating disorder or are frequently vomiting, you may develop hypokalemia. Low potassium levels may also be caused by chronic kidney failure or hormonal diseases, such as primary aldosteronism. In rare cases, hypokalemia is caused by inadequate dietary intake of potassium.
Treatment for Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia is treated with potassium supplements. Mild hypokalemia is treated with oral potassium supplements, while severely low levels of potassium are restored using intravenous potassium supplementation, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains. Intravenous medication reaches the body faster and allows for swift correction of your potassium levels. Patients suffering from heart trouble due to low potassium levels may require medications that stabilize the heart. Consult your doctor about the possible treatment options for hypokalemia.
References
- "American Family Physician"; Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome: Importance of the Long QT Syndrome; John S. Meyer MD et al; August 1, 2003
- MedlinePlus; Hypokalemia; David C. Dugdale, III; August 2009
- MedlinePlus; Potassium Test; David C. Dugdale, III; May 2009
- Mayo Clinic; Low Potassium (Hypokalemia) August 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Hypokalemia -- Treatment; David C. Dugdale, III, MD; August 2009
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