Deficiencies of potassium and magnesium have several causes. Additionally, the two electrolyte imbalances are interrelated, as a low magnesium level, or hypomagnesemia, is one potential cause of a low potassium level, or hypokalemia. Particularly if you are at an increased risk for depletion of either potassium or magnesium, understanding associated signs and symptoms is imperative. These electrolyte imbalances are serious, and seeking timely medical intervention can save your life.
Hypomagnesemia
A healthy magnesium level is within the range of 1.5 mEq/L to 2.5 mEq/L. A level lower than 1.5 mEq/L is indicative of hypomagnesemia. Causes of this electrolyte imbalance include pregnancy, chronic diarrhea, excessive sweating and malnutrition. If you have undiagnosed or uncontrolled diabetes, increased urination associated with the disease is a cause of a low magnesium level. Alcoholism and the hormonal disorder hyperaldosteronism are also potential catalysts for hypomagnesemia. The same is true with syndromes of malabsorption, such as irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of a low serum magnesium level include fatigue and numbness. You may also experience muscle spasms or cramping, and your muscles may seem weak. Nystagmus, or abnormal eye movement, is another symptom of hypomagnesemia, as are convulsions. You may become confused, and you may develop hypertension. During evaluation of your symptoms, results of tests ordered by your doctor may reveal other electrolyte disturbances, such as a low calcium or potassium level. Electrocardiogram results may reflect abnormalities in heart function as well.
Hypokalemia
A serum potassium level lower than 3.5 mEq/L is diagnostic of hypokalemia. Potential causes of a low potassium level include poor dietary intake of the electrolyte and a significant loss of body fluid from profuse vomiting, sweating or diarrhea. Antibiotic and diuretic medications, which cause loss of body fluid through increased urination, are also associated with a potassium deficiency. Eating disorders, such as bulimia nervosa, increase your risk for hypokalemia, as does any condition, such as as Cushing syndrome or Fanconi syndrome, resulting in impairment of normal kidney function.
Signs and Symptoms
Vomiting and severe diarrhea are symptoms of hypokalemia, as is a lack of appetite that does not improve over time. An inability to eat due to nausea that does not respond to medication intervention is also indicative of the electrolyte imbalance. A low potassium level is also associated with muscle weakness, chest pain and discomfort and heart palpitations. Some signs of hypokalemia are metabolic and arterial blood gas abnormalities. An electrocardiogram may reveal dangerous changes in heart function, and blood tests may reveal abnormal results for glucose, thyroxine and aldosterone as well.
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