How to Understand the Effects of Low Potassium on the Body

Potassium is the most abundant electrolyte contained in our intracellular fluid and is involved in regulating the neuromuscular activity of the skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Potassium-rich Foods

1. Be prepared to experience muscle weakness, when your potassium is low. This is because decreased electrolytes result in muscular malfunction.
2. Consider that you may have irregularities in your heart's rhythm, if your potassium drops below 3.5 mEq/liter. Severe hypokalemia (low potassium) causes the heart to contract prematurely.
3. Realize you may experience muscle twitchings due to low potassium.
4. Know that you might have an increase in urination and thirst, because hypokalemia causes an inability for the kidneys to concentrate urine.
5. Understand that low potassium can result in fatigue, anorexia and decreased bowel motility. If your bowel motility becomes too sluggish, you may have symptoms of a paralytic ileus, which means that your intestines become somewhat paralized due to a decrease in your peristalsis.
6. Consider that low potassium can cause leg and abdominal cramps because of muscle malfunctions.
7. Accept that low potassium, left untreated, can lead to respiratory arrest because the muscles that aid in breathing become weak.

Tips & Warnings

• Electrolytes break up into atomic particles and conduct an electric current. This current transmits nerve impulses and causes muscles to contract.
• If you have any type of heart disease, or are taking digitalis or diuretics, be sure you allow your doctor to regularly monitor your potassium levels.
• If you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.