Low potassium, known scientifically as hypokalemia, can develop into a serious health threat. Your body needs optimal levels of the mineral to ensure proper functioning of its cells and nerves. Apart from the elderly, in which age group more females than males present with the condition, the incidence and causes of hypokalemia by gender are essentially the same, according to "The 5-Minute Clinical Consult 2012."
Health Significance
Potassium is one of the body's electrolytes -- others are calcium, chloride, magnesium and sodium -- which conduct electrical impulses, such as those involved with muscle contractions and nerve impulses, within cells and between cells. A proper balance of electrolytes is essential to maintain proper cardiovascular, digestive, muscular and neural function. For optimal health, the body needs roughly 3.6 to 4.8 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) of blood, according to MayoClinic.com. A reading below 2.5 mEq/L constitutes hypokalemia. Excessive levels of potassium, known as hyperkalemia, are unhealthy as well and are defined as potassium readings at 6.0 mEq/L or above.
Causes of Low Levels
Low potassium most often results from above-normal loss of the mineral in urine, feces or sweat, according to the Bay Area Medical Information website. Specific causes include diuretic use, which increases urine production; severe diarrhea or vomiting; dehydration; excessive perspiration; overuse or abuse of laxatives; and impaired kidney function. Hyperaldosteronism, a condition in which the adrenal glands produce excessive levels of the hormone aldosterone, also can cause an unhealthy drop in the body's potassium levels.
Dietary deficiencies of potassium are relatively rare, especially in those who eat a balanced diet that contains adequate levels of potassium. However, eating large amounts of licorice or products that contain licorice as a primary ingredient can deplete the body's stores of potassium. The use of certain antibiotics, including carbenicillin, gentamicin and amphotericin B, also can cause the body to lose significant amounts of potassium.
Symptoms of Hypokalemia
Small or temporary drops in potassium levels below optimal readings rarely trigger major symptoms, but a sharp and continuing drop in potassium poses a major health threat. Symptoms of hypokalemia include profound fatigue; abnormal heart rhythms, seen most often in people with pre-existing heart disease; muscle spasms or weakness; a breakdown of muscle fibers, known as rhabdomyolysis; constipation; and partial body paralysis, which sometimes targets the lungs.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A blood test usually provides the first indication of abnormally low levels of potassium, after which your doctor might order additional tests. Such diagnostic screenings can include an electrocardiogram; arterial blood gas testing; and additional blood tests to check your levels of aldosterone, calcium, glucose, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium and thyroxine. The most common course of treatment for hypokalemia is a course of oral potassium supplementation.
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