Effects of Hypokalemia (Low Potassium)

Potassium - Importance of Potassium in the Body

Potassium is needed by the human body for the functioning of its cells, including that of the heart muscles. It is classified as an electrolyte and maintains the fluid balance of the body along with another electrolyte - sodium. While potassium has the responsibility of maintaining the fluid balance inside the cells, sodium works outside. This explains the fact that around 98% of the body's potassium content is found inside the cells. Apart from the above function, potassium is also necessary for nerve impulse function, muscle function, cardiac (heart muscle) function and to maintain normal blood pressure. According to some studies, a diet rich in potassium can help in preventing cardiovascular diseases, strokes and high blood pressure.

Low Potassium Levels - Hypokalemia

The human body regulates the level of potassium by excreting excess amounts through urine. Certain conditions of the kidneys result in extreme loss of potassium through urine. Destruction to cells may also cause the shifting of intracellular potassium to the outer part of the cell wall. Likewise, there are many reasons which lead to a low level of potassium in the body. These may include the intake of foods low in potassium or medical conditions like diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease. The normal level of potassium in an adult human being is 3.5 - 5.3 mEq/L. A potassium level less than 3.5 mEq/L is termed as hypokalemia, which denotes potassium deficiency. If the level is below 2.5-3 mEq/L, then it is classified as moderate and any level below the value of 2.5 mEq/L is severe hypokalemia.

Effects of Hypokalemia

Hypokalemia is mainly caused due to excessive loss of potassium from the body. Another cause is the consumption of foods containing low potassium levels. The former being the major cause, treatment is necessary to cure this condition, which can otherwise lead to serious complications. Symptoms of potassium deficiency might not be noticed with a mild drop in potassium levels, but a significant reduction in the potassium levels may lead to muscle weakness, fatigue and cramps, accompanied by grave symptoms like cardiovascular and kidney problems. The following are the effects of low potassium on the body.

• One of the major consequence of hypokalemia is the effect on the cardiovascular system. One such effect of hypokalemia is the increase in the blood pressure level. Low potassium levels, accompanied by high sodium intake increases the risk of hypertension. Another effect of low potassium is a condition called ventricular arrhythmia, which is characterized by abnormal and rapid heart beats, originating from the ventricles.
• Effects of hypokalemia include muscular complications too. Hypokalemia is a condition which can impair the ability of muscular contraction. It can also affect the blood flow to the skeletal muscles, resulting in rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue). This condition can be aggravated if accompanied by vigorous exercise. This condition may develop symptoms like muscle weakness, cramps, and myalgias. Though rare, severe hypokalemia can also lead to paralysis in some cases.
• Other effects of low potassium in the body include mild polyuria (passage of large volumes of urine) and impairment of kidney's ability to concentrate urine. If combined with hyperaldosteronism, hypokalemia can cause renal cystic disease. It is also believed that low potassium levels can trigger the development of hepatic encephalopathy or aggravate its symptoms.

Effects of hypokalemia can vary from mild to severe. It has to be treated to avoid serious consequences, which may even result in death. The treatment is based on the symptoms and the causal agents. The doctor may prescribe potassium supplements or advise a diet containing potassium enriched foods, which can cover the requirement of this micronutrient.