Low potassium is a problem that can affect people of all ages and lifestyles. Doctors often refer to this condition as hypokalemia, and it occurs when blood potassium levels fall below 3.5 millimoles per liter. If potassium levels drop below 2.5 millimoles per liter, immediate medical intervention is needed to prevent potentially life-threatening complications. Without sufficient levels of potassium, cells within the body are unable to function as efficiently. Electrical signals that are transmitted by potassium can keep nerve, muscle and heart cells working properly. Potassium also works with sodium, calcium, magnesium and chloride to balance the body’s water levels and keep the heart beating at a normal rhythm.
Several factors are known to cause low potassium. Quite often, potassium levels drop to insufficient levels after diuretic medications are taken to control high blood pressure by inducing urination. Taking laxative and certain antibiotics can also cause low potassium. Chronic kidney disease, diabetic ketoacidosis and primary aldosteronism are among the medical conditions that often decrease potassium levels within the body. Potassium levels can also be insufficient due to not eating enough potassium-rich foods such as bananas, avocados and pears.
1. Weakness
An unusual feeling of weakness is one of the telltale signs of potassium deficiency. Since muscle cells are unable to function as productively when potassium levels are low, the body can begin to feel weaker and heavier. This weak sensation can make it difficult to maneuver while engaging in athletic activities or performing simple everyday tasks. Weakness may be especially apparent when standing after sitting for a prolonged period. In severe cases, the muscles can become so weak that they are unable to move properly, which may result in temporary paralysis. Breathing and digestive problems can also occur due to weakness in the respiratory and gastrointestinal muscles.
Chronically low potassium levels may cause muscles to become so weak that their fibers begin to break down and release themselves into the bloodstream, and this can result in kidney damage. Feeling excessively weak might make it more difficult to see a doctor to receive the necessary care, and this can stand in the way of getting potassium to higher levels. Muscles will continue to grow weaker if exercising is impossible because of the fatigue that is caused by low potassium. Weakness can also result in a loss of appetite, which creates an additional challenge when more potassium-rich foods are supposed to be eaten.
2. Tiredness
Fatigue is one of the other main symptoms of low potassium that should not be ignored. This type of fatigue often occurs with little physical exertion or without any other reasonable explanation. Getting a sufficient amount of sleep at night is not always enough to prevent unusual feelings of fatigue when potassium levels are low. Feeling faint because of extreme tiredness is often the result of a potassium deficiency that causes electrolyte imbalances and cellular dysfunction. Signals that are carried by the cells have more trouble reaching certain organs of the body that require these signals to keep energy at normal levels.
3. Arm Cramping
Pain in one or both arms is sometimes a warning sign that the body is not getting enough potassium. There might be a sensation of arm cramping even if no heavy items were recently lifted. These cramps can also spread to the legs and make it uncomfortable to walk. Cramping is often brought on because of the muscle and nerve cells’ inability to function as efficiently due to a lack of potassium. If arm cramping is severe with pain spreading to the hands, it may be more difficult to hold onto objects and perform tasks such as typing, gardening and folding laundry.
4. Tingling
Some people with low potassium levels may notice tingling sensations in certain parts of the body. Oftentimes, these tingles are felt in the hands and feet. The nerves might be sending out signals and causing tingling sensations to let the body know that it needs more potassium. These tingling sensations often feel like pins and needles being stuck into the skin. Tingling can also lead to numbness and inhibit certain parts of the body from feeling any sensations at all. If these feelings progressively get worse, it could signify that potassium levels are dropping to dangerously low levels, and medical care should be sought immediately.
5. Nausea
There are many causes of nausea, but potassium levels should be checked if upset stomachs and feelings or queasiness are occurring frequently. If nausea is accompanied by vomiting, the body’s potassium can drop even lower and result in other problems that are related to hypokalemia. To prevent vomiting caused by nausea so that they body can retain more of its potassium, certain foods and medications that are known to worsen these symptoms may need to be eliminated. Some people also report feeling dizzy when their potassium levels drop too low, which can be another exacerbating factor of nausea and vomiting.
6. Abdominal Cramping
Sharp stomach pains often indicate the need for more potassium. Cramps can also feel more like dull aches that result in consistent irritation. The stomach pain might even be so severe that it is difficult to stand and perform daily activities. Bloating sensations are known to accompany abdominal cramps that result from low potassium levels in the blood. These cramps can sometimes be felt in the upper or lower abdominal region or be more widespread throughout the digestive tract. A lack of potassium can prevent the digestive system from functioning correctly, which often leads to these unpleasant and disruptive symptoms.
7. Constipation
Constipation is one of the other the leading signs of low potassium. When blood potassium levels dip below normal, muscles in the gastrointestinal tract can become weak and start to function inefficiently. This makes it more difficult for the body to pass stool through bowel movements. The smooth muscles that line the intestines are unable to contract as efficiently without enough potassium in the body. If stool can not be eliminated from the body as efficiently, cramping, bloating and excess gas could be other symptoms that accompany the resulting constipation. If potassium levels remain too low for a prolonged period, the digestive muscles can become extremely weak and lead to intestinal paralysis.
8. Palpitations
Since potassium is required to keep the heart beating in a normal and healthy rhythm, hypokalemia can sometimes lead to potentially dangerous heart palpitations developing. These palpitations may cause the heart to beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia) or in more sporadic rhythms. These abnormal palpitations can negatively affect how the blood circulates throughout the body and might even damage the heart muscle. Blood pressure levels can also spike to dangerously high levels if palpitations occur due to low potassium. It is important to note, however, that not all irregular heart rhythms are dangerous, but they should still be corrected if potassium deficiency is the cause.
