Potassium is a vital nutrient that is part of the electrolytes found in your body. A low potassium level can produce several side effects and cause possible life-threatening complications. The only way to tell if your potassium levels are low is to have a blood test done to check potassium levels. If levels are below normal, you might have to take a potassium supplement, but in some cases, that might not be enough.
Hypokalemia
Having low levels of potassium in your blood is called hypokalemia. Low levels are those that are below the normal range of 3.6 mEq/L. Potassium is important because it helps maintain the overall function of muscle and nerve cells. Potassium is also essential for optimal heart health. When levels are too high, they can affect the heart and make it work and pump faster, possibly leading to heart failure. When the levels are too low, it can also affect your heart and cause abnormal rhythms. Most sources of potassium can be found in a healthy, balanced diet. If you are taking a potassium supplement and still experience low potassium levels, an underlying medical cause might be the culprit.
Symptoms
In most cases, you might never know if your potassium levels are too low, especially if they are borderline low, unless you have a specific blood test, such as a comprehensive metabolic panel. If potassium levels drop too low, you might experience an irregular heartbeat, or tachycardia, which might initially feel like your heart is fluttering in your chest. It might also feel like your heart skips beats or is beating way too fast. Lightheadedness and fainting might also occur. Other common symptoms of low potassium include constipation, cramping in the muscles, weakness and extreme fatigue.
Complications
Several complications can result from low potassium levels. The most dangerous are sudden death, especially if you already have heart disease or chronic kidney failure, notes website Science Daily. Your entire body -- including your brain, heart and blood -- rely heavily on a healthy potassium level to conduct the proper amount of electricity throughout your system. When potassium levels get too low, your major organs begin to respond through reduced cardiac function, digestive problems, less muscle function and seizures. Be sure to tell your doctor immediately about these symptoms, even if you are currently taking potassium supplements.
Solution
If you are taking potassium supplements and your levels don't rise, other causes need to be explored. Your doctor will likely have you hospitalized so that you can be given potassium intravenously. Your vital signs -- especially your heart rate -- will likely be closely monitored. Your doctor will run tests to see if an underlying problem is triggering your drop in potassium levels. Common culprits might include uncontrolled diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease and the use of diuretics.
Improve your potassium levels by making your diet abundant in potassium-rich foods. Examples of food to add include broccoli, potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, peas and citrus fruits. Dairy products such as yogurt and milk are also high in potassium. Avoid processed and over-cooked foods that usually are low in potassium.
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