Potassium deficiency is a medical condition that develops when your body has inadequate levels of potassium. This condition, which is also referred to as hypokalemia, most commonly occurs in patients who struggle with an eating disorder or kidney disease. Talk with your doctor if you develop any of the symptoms of a potassium deficiency.
Abnormal Heart Rate
Potassium is a mineral that is involved in the generation of electrical signals within your body. These electrical signals tell the muscles within your body when to contract and relax. The rate at which your heart muscle contracts and relaxes--your heartbeat--is regulated, in part, by potassium. If you have abnormally low levels of potassium within your body, you can develop an irregular heartbeat as a symptom of this condition. Heartbeat-related symptoms of a potassium deficiency can be mild to severe, explain health professionals at the Pennsylvania State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. In cases of severe potassium deficiency, you can be at an increased risk of developing life-threatening medical complications, such as cardiac arrest or lung paralysis.
Muscle Cramps
Abnormally low levels of potassium within the body can interfere with the normal contraction and relaxation of your muscles. If you have a potassium deficiency, your muscles can experience prolonged periods of contraction--a condition called a muscle cramp. Muscle cramps can be painful and may negatively impact your ability to move the affected muscle normally. Such symptoms are typically temporary and can occur sporadically throughout the day.
Fatigue
Potassium is a type of electrolyte that helps generate energy within your body, explain health professionals at Medline Plus, a health information website provided as a service of the National Library of Medicine. Inadequate potassium levels within the body can interfere with this process, which may cause you to feel abnormally tired or fatigued. If this occurs, you may notice that you have difficulty staying alert and focused throughout the day, which may negatively impact your ability to complete responsibilities associated with work or school.
Constipation
As an electrolyte, potassium is also involved in ensuring that your body retains appropriate levels of fluid. If you have low levels of potassium, your body may not have enough fluid, which can lead to symptoms of constipation. Poor fluid levels within your digestive tract can cause the contents of your bowel to become hardened, making it difficult for you to have a normal bowel movement. Constipation can also lead to additional symptoms, including abdominal discomfort, bloating or gas.
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