Low levels of potassium, called hypokalemia, are not usually caused by dietary deficiencies. Most cases of depleted potassium result from impaired absorption of nutrients, an underlying medical condition that affects potassium, or from excreting too much as happens with excessive sweating, vomiting and diarrhea. Risks associated with depleted potassium are potentially life-threatening.
Potassium and sodium work together to create electrical signals that are responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and a regular heartbeat. It's difficult to predict how severe your reaction might be to depleted potassium because it depends on the degree of the deficiency as well as any underlying diseases. A severe deficiency, however, can quickly become a life-threatening emergency.
Heart
Hypokalemia has two effects on the cardiovascular system: It raises blood pressure and causes abnormal heart rhythms, called arrhythmias, that impact the heart's ability to pump blood. Certain medical conditions that might cause hypokalemia, such as primary aldosteronism, may result in more severe cardiovascular side effects. If you already have heart disease, you have a higher risk of heart-related side effects from low potassium.
Muscles
Potassium depletion results in muscle weakness and cramping because it interferes with normal muscle contraction. It also reduces the flow of blood to muscle cells, which damages them and causes the tissue to breakdown. Pieces of the muscle tissue are then released into the bloodstream, where they become trapped in the kidneys and can cause kidney damage. Reduced blood flow combined with vigorous exercise often triggers muscle symptoms. In rare cases of extreme potassium deficiency the muscles can become paralyzed, which can be fatal if it affects the respiratory muscles.
Kidneys
In addition to damage resulting from the breakdown of muscle tissue, hypokalemia can cause cystic disease in the kidneys. Over time, cyst formation permanently damages kidney tissue and can lead to kidney failure. Hypokalemia impairs the kidneys' ability to concentrate urine and also increases hormones that make you feel thirsty. The result is excessive urination.
Hormones
When potassium is high, the body releases insulin, which in turn tells cells to remove the extra potassium from the blood. The system also works in reverse, so when potassium is low, it may also cause less insulin to be released. This can lead to glucose intolerance or affect the blood sugar in people with diabetes.
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