Your body needs potassium for your cells, tissues and organs to function properly. Potassium is also an electrolyte that works in conjunction with other important minerals such as chloride, calcium, sodium and magnesium. Potassium is required for normal heart function and is vital for skeletal and smooth muscle contraction. If you're concerned about your potassium levels, see your doctor right away, as some side effects of potassium can be very severe.
Metabolic Disorders
Delirium can set in if your potassium, sodium, calcium or hormone levels become unbalanced, according to the Kaiser Permanente Medical Group. Delirium is defined as having difficulty paying attention to your surroundings or to conversations, having poor judgment, and difficulty remaining awake and alert. Hallucinations and delusions are also part of delirium. Delirium can set in when your potassium levels go to severe extremes -- either too high or too low. Potassium levels are typically confirmed via blood testing by a licensed health care professional.
Low Potassium
Potassium is measured in Meq, or miliequivalent, per liters. Low potassium is a blood potassium level that is below 2.5 Meq/L and can warrant emergency medical attention because life-threatening events can occur. Low potassium can cause you to feel weak and tired. You can also experience muscle cramps, constipation and abnormal heart rhythms.
High Potassium
You can develop high potassium for a number of reasons, such as acute kidney failure, chronic kidney failure or rejection of a kidney transplant. Additional potassium can be released into your bloodstream due to a tissue injury, such as a burn, traumatic injury or from surgery. Having high potassium, or hyperkalemia, typically has no symptoms, according to MedlinePlus. Although high potassium doesn't usually have symptoms, some people might experience a slow, weak or absent pulse, as well as nausea and an irregular heartbeat.
Considerations
Delirium can be caused by other conditions besides abnormal potassium levels. Heatstroke and dehydration can also cause delirium. If you notice a loved one or close friend who begins showing signs of delirium, seek medical help immediately. All of these situations are considered life-threatening and should not be taken lightly or overlooked.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; "Potassium"; Steven Ehrlich; May 2009
- Kaiser Permanente Medical Group: What Is Delirium?
- MayoClinic.com; "Low Potassium (Hypokalemia)"; Mayo Clinic Staff; Aug. 2009
- MedlinePlus; "Hyperkalemia"; November 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; "Dehydration and Heatstroke"; January 2008
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