Potassium is a vital nutrient used for healthy functioning of the nerves and muscles. Potassium is an electrolyte that is an important ingredient for heart health, too. When potassium levels in the blood become too low, a condition called hypokalemia occurs. Complications can occur when potassium levels dip below the normal range of 3.6 to 4.8 milliequivalents per liter of blood, reports the Mayo Clinic.
Weakness
A doctor can perform a blood test to check the potassium levels of patients who exhibit various initial symptoms that don't respond to treatments for other medical conditions. Initial symptoms of hypokalemia can include weakness and fatigue that is not relieved by rest. Athletes drink additional fluids with potassium to help balance low electrolyte levels. When potassium is not replaced, muscles become weak and ineffective. Following a feeling of weakness, cramps often set in. People with low potassium levels can experience muscle cramps even when they don't exert themselves. As the condition progresses, patients often lose their appetites and do not improve with time.
Interrupted Digestion
Constipation is a common indication of low potassium levels. On the other hand, some patients experience severe diarrhea when potassium levels fall below 2.5 milliequivalents per liter of blood, report doctors at Chemocare. Severe diarrhea is recognized when patients have five or more bowel movements per day. Nausea can develop that interferes with the patient's ability to keep food down. Prescription medicine does not relieve the inability to eat. Vomiting more than four or five times in one day can be a signal that potassium levels have dropped to dangerously low levels.
Heart Palpitations
One of the more serious symptoms that can lead to further complication is arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythms. Patients often feel heart palpitations even when resting. The condition may be precipitated by a shortness of breath when the patient cannot seem to catch his breath properly. Anyone who experiences chest pains should be treated immediately, as low potassium levels can lead to a stroke or heart attack. Doctors at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University report that studies show persistent low potassium levels increase the risk of a stroke or heart attack, particularly in those patients who already have high blood pressure.
Osteoporosis
Low potassium levels have been associated with an increased risk of developing osteoporosis, or low bone density. Potassium increases the calcium secretion and the excretion of urinary acid that often causes reduced bone mineral density. Higher levels of potassium can help to preserve calcium in the bone and prevent the disease.
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