Hypokalemia -- a low potassium level -- is a dangerous condition resulting in potentially life-threatening symptoms. The same is true of a magnesium deficiency, or hypomagnesemia. Rarely caused by a lack of dietary intake, both electrolyte deficiencies generally result from other underlying health disorders. Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia are also interrelated. If laboratory results reveal one imbalance, expect your doctor to look closely for the other.
Symptoms of Hypokalemia
Small declines in your potassium are usually asymptomatic. However, once the deficiency becomes extreme, you are at risk for life-threatening complications. Particularly if you are at risk for hypokalemia, understanding the symptoms allows you to seek treatment in a timely manner. Dangerous symptoms of a low serum potassium level include a breakdown of your muscle fibers called rhabdomyolysis; paralysis, including that of your lungs; and disruptions in your normal heart rate. Other symptoms of the condition include muscle weakening or spasming, constipation and overall fatigue.
Symptoms of Hypomagnesemia
Some symptoms of hypomagnesemia are trouble sleeping, confusion, restless leg syndrome, irritability, anxiety, agitation and nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms of this electrolyte imbalance include poor nail growth, muscle spasms and weakness and hyperventilation. Dangerous symptoms of a low serum magnesium level are hypotension, abnormal heart rhythms and seizures. As with hypokalemia, it is important for you to notify your doctor immediately upon noticing signs and symptoms of hypomagnesemia.
Causes
Underlying causes of hypokalemia include certain medications, any condition that results in kidney impairment or failure and eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia nervosa. You are also at risk for low potassium if overexertion results in profuse sweating or if you experience profuse diarrhea or vomiting. Underlying health conditions associated with hypomagnesemia are hyperthyroidism, pancreatitis, diabetes and kidney disease. Other possible conditions include gastrointestinal diseases like ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome, vomiting, diarrhea, prolonged stress and heavy menstrual periods. Eating too much salt or drinking too much soda, coffee or alcohol can also lead to a low magnesium level.
Relationships and Treatment
A chronically low magnesium level can eventually lead to a persistently low potassium level. Therefore, if laboratory results reveal hypomagnesemia, it is important to treat the deficiency. Expect your doctor to recommend treating the condition through oral supplementation, a magnesium-rich diet or both. For treatment of hypokalemia, expect your doctor to recommend oral supplementation, a high-potassium diet or special diuretics that prevent your body from eliminating too much potassium. If your potassium level is low enough, your doctor may first treat you by administering intravenous potassium.
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