Warning signs and symptoms of dangerously low potassium levels

Low potassium levels can cause irregular heart rhythms, muscular weakness, and even paralysis. Here's all you want to know.

Potassium is an important electrolyte in the body and is responsible for function of muscles, nerves and heart. Very low levels of potassium is called hypokalaemia and can lead to dangerous consequences as a person may even feel too weak to move their body, experience paralysis, faint or experience irregular heart rhythms. Vomiting, diarrhoea or use of laxative can lead to low potassium levels while certain medications like diuretics that are commonly used to treat high blood pressure can also eliminate potassium along with excess sodium and water from the urine. (Also read: 5 amazing salt-substitutes to cut heart disease risk and add flavour to food)

In hypokalaemia the amount of potassium in the blood is too low. The normal levels of potassium range from 3.5 to 5.2 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.2 mmol/L). Anything lower than 3 mEq/L (3 mmol/L) can be considered severe hypokalaemia. While mild cases of hypokalaemia are asymptomatic, in case of dangerously low levels of potassium, one must get medical attention.

Causes of low potassium levels

"Low potassium levels, also known as Hypokalaemia, occur when the level of potassium in the serum falls below the normal range of 3.5-5 meq/l. Potassium is one of the major electrolytes in the body, which has a direct role in the proper functioning of the heart muscle, skeletal muscles, and intestinal activity. Low potassium levels can lead to disturbances in these functions due to its role in normal cell functioning," said Dr Kamal Verma, Senior Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.

Signs and symptoms of low potassium depends on severity of hypokalaemia. Mild cases are usually asymptomatic i.e., when potassium is 3-3.5 meq/l or unless the patient is either elderly or having other major medical problem like chronic kidney disease or heart failure. Symptoms usually appear once Serum K levels go below 3.0 meq/l.

Dr Bhuwania explains in detail the symptoms of hypokalaemia:

- Neurological: Muscle cramps and limb weakness particularly in lower limbs; may cause paralysis like state.

- Gastrointestinal: Constipation and abdominal distension, nausea, and vomiting.

- Generalized fatigability and myalgia

- Cardiac: Low blood pressure, palpitations due to irregular heart rates related to atrial and ventricular arrythmias

- Respiratory muscle weakness and in severe cases respiratory failure.

Causes of low potassium levels

Decreased intake - which is usually less commonly seen i.e in conditions like starvation and excessive fasting.

Acute diarrhoea, persistent or recurrent vomiting episodes, excess loss through kidney, medications – diuretics (which are commonly given for treating hypertension and heart failure), use of excess laxatives for constipation.

Excessive sweating particularly after heavy physical activity at high temperature.

Treatment of low potassium

• Potassium rich diet: Fruits like bananas and oranges, green leafy vegetables, potatoes, and kiwi.
• Oral potassium supplements as per doctor’s advice.
• Patient may need hospitalization in case of severe hypokalaemia as per treating physician's decision.

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