Symptoms of Low Potassium

Potassium Deficiency Symptoms and Signs

Symptoms of Low Potassium

Indeed, knowing the symptoms of low potassium can help you make informed decisions about your health.

However, before we delve into potassium deficiency symptoms, let's briefly discuss what it does to help us maintain vibrant heath.

Potassium is a mineral that harbors electrical properties when it is dissolved in the fluid part of the blood and, as such, it is classified as an electrolyte. It is a nutrient that is critical to life as it is required for the proper functioning of cells, including the cells of the heart muscle. It works closely with its cousin sodium - another electrolyte – in maintaining the body's proper balance of fluids and acid-base. More specifically, potassium controls the amount of fluid inside cells while its cousin sodium maintains the balance of fluid outside cells.

Potassium aids in proper muscle contraction and helps to keep the heart thumping regularly. It is also essential for conducting nerve impulses, aids in energy metabolism, and it even helps to maintain normal blood pressure. In fact, evidence suggests that diets high in potassium may help to protect against hypertension, strokes, and cardiovascular disease.

Lastly, potassium regulates the transfer of nutrients through cell membranes, but this function has been shown to decrease with age.

Symptoms of Low Potassium

The following are potassium deficiency symptoms and signs:

  • Muscle Cramps
  • Muscle Fatigue and Weakness
  • Irregular Heartbeat
  • Fatigue
  • Mental Confusion
  • Irritability
  • Abnormally Dry Skin
  • Insatiable Thirst
  • Chills
  • Depression
  • Nausea and Vomiting
  • Nervousness
  • Insomnia
  • Diarrhea
  • Low Blood Pressure
  • Periodic Headaches
  • Salt Retention
  • Constipation
  • High Cholesterol Levels
  • Glucose Intolerance
  • Impaired Growth
  • Edema
  • Extreme cases, cardiac arrest

    Symptoms of Low Potassium

    Who's at Risk?

    The following people should pay very close attention to their potassium levels and be aware of potassium deficiency symptoms. Some of the causes of potassium deficiency include:

  • Certain diuretics
  • Long-term therapy with corticosteroids and adrenal hormones
  • High sodium diets and low in fruits and vegetables
  • Prolonged fasting
  • Bizarre diets
  • Seniors
  • Excessive intake of licorice over prolonged periods
  • Excessive intake carbenoxolone
  • Profuse sweating over a period of several days can reduce stores of potassium
  • Excessive use of laxatives

    Symptoms of Low Potassium: Health Conditions at Risk?

    The following health conditions can cause a potassium deficiency. As such, one should also be aware of potassium deficiency symptoms.

  • Anorexia
  • Nervosa
  • Alcoholism
  • Malnutrition
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Kidney Disease
  • Heart Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Cushing’s Syndrome
  • Surgical Operations Involving the Bowel
  • Extensive Burns and Injuries
  • Chronic Diarrhea
  • Persistent Vomiting
  • Influenza
  • Chronic Respiratory Failure
  • Anemia
  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • Excessive Excretion of Aldosterone

    Should you be concerned about the symptoms of low potassium, it's important that you consult with a qualified health care provider.

    For information on foods high in potassium, precautions and side effects, supplements, and recommended daily allowance, please click here.

    We hope this web-page on potassium deficiency symptoms was useful to you.

    To Your Health!

    The Editors

    Much more than Symptoms of Low Potassium can be found at our Foods High in Potassium web page
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