The National Adrenal Diseases Foundation reports that Cushing's disease, also known as Cushing's syndrome occurs at a rate of about 5 to 25 cases per million people in the United States each year. Patients with Cushing's disease exhibit a low blood potassium level that can affect your blood pressure. Your doctor may prescribe potassium supplements, but take them only as directed because a potassium overdose can be deadly.
Spontaneous Cushing's Disease
Cushing's disease can occur due to an overproduction of cortisol. Your adrenal glands, two glands located just above each kidney, produce cortisol to regulate inflammation, stimulate an increase in blood sugar levels and control the fluid level in your body. Your pituitary gland located in the brain produces a hormone known as adrenocorticotrophic hormone, ACTH, that regulates cortisol production. Pituitary tumors increase the production of ACTH hormone causing approximately 70 percent of the Cushing's disease cases. Doctors diagnose Cushing's disease based on symptoms such as weight gain in the abdomen, face and neck, bruises, facial hair growth and loss of scalp hair especially in women. Laboratory results, like low potassium levels, high blood pressure and high blood sugar also indicate Cushing's disease.
Iatrogenic Cushing's Disease
Cushing's disease can also occur due to steroid treatment for another condition. High doses of steroids increase cortisol levels in the body producing Cushing's disease symptoms in a condition known as iatrogenic Cushing's disease. The only cure is to stop the use of the steroids, but because many diseases require prolonged use of steroids, doctors can manage the Cushing's disease symptoms in other ways including high blood pressure management and potassium replacement. Although a low potassium level causes problems, a potassium overdose can also cause dangerous effects.
Low Potassium
Potassium is a salt similar to sodium. Potassium functions as an electrolyte which means it regulates the amount of fluid in and out of cells and conducts nerve impulses making it important for nerve function and muscle contraction, including heart muscle contraction necessary to maintain a normal heart rhythm. Low potassium levels associated with Cushing's disease can cause fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps and abnormal heart rhythms. A low potassium level also increases your risk for high blood pressure. To treat these symptoms your doctor may suggest taking potassium supplements.
Potassium Overdose
You must take your potassium supplements as directed by your doctor. Your kidneys remove excess potassium from your blood, but extremely high doses of potassium or patients with reduced kidney function may experience a potassium overdose. Symptoms can include nausea, weak pulse and an irregular heartbeat. A potassium overdose an also lead to heart failure.
