Increasing magnesium intake may also be beneficial for similar physiological reasons. All rights reserved. [6], Mild hypokalemia (>3.0 mEq/l) may be treated by eating potassium-containing foods or by taking potassium chloride supplements in a tablet or syrup form (by mouth supplements). Accessed April 5, 2017. [1], The speed at which potassium should be replaced depends on whether or not there are symptoms or abnormalities on an electrocardiogram. Hypokalemia can result from one or more of these medical conditions: Not eating a diet with enough potassium-containing foods or fasting can cause the gradual onset of hypokalemia. Hypokalemia. What Are the Causes of Low Potassium? Diuretic use and gastrointestinal losses are common causes of hypokalemia, whereas kidney disease, hyperglycemia, and medication use are common causes of hyperkalemia. Signs: muscle weakness, ileus. Often, the cause of hypokalemia can be found out through the medical history of the patient. [22][23], Eating potassium-rich foods may not be the optimal method for correcting low potassium and potassium supplements may be recommended. Hypokalemia is the term used to describe low potassium levels in the body. Our general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics. [23], Potassium chloride supplements by mouth have the advantage of containing precise quantities of potassium, but the disadvantages of a taste which may be unpleasant, and the potential for side-effects including nausea and abdominal discomfort. A more common cause is excessive loss of potassium, often associated with heavy fluid losses that "flush" potassium out of the body. The most common cause is excessive potassium loss in urine due to prescription medications that increase urination. First-line studies include measurement of urine potassium, a serum magnesium assay, and an electrocardiogram (ECG). Cause: excessive potassium loss through vomiting or urinary sytem, or reduced dietary intake (anorexia). Low potassium also increases the risk of an abnormal heart rhythm, which is often too slow and can cause cardiac arrest. Summary. Typically, a saline solution is used, with 20–40 meq/l KCl per liter over 3–4 hours. [24] Giving IV potassium at faster rates (20–25 meq/hr) may inadvertently expose the heart to a sudden increase in potassium, potentially causing dangerous abnormal heart rhythms such as heart block or asystole. Medications. Both may be uncommon but should be considered when assessing the cause of low potassium levels in the elderly. Hypokalemia occurs commonly in chronic heart failure consequent to neurohormonal activation and diuretic therapy. Other drugs include steroids, licorice, sometimes aspirin, and … http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/endocrine_and_metabolic_disorders/electrolyte_disorders/hypokalemia.html. Hypokalemia ECG changes. Here is a video version of all the information to know about hypokalemia if you would like to learn about the information in video form. Causes of hypokalemia in adults. – SPS - Specialist Pharmacy Service – The first stop for professional medicines advice", "Safety Issues With Adding Lidocaine to IV Potassium Infusions (Excerpt)", "Review of Destiny's Road by Larry Niven", 10.1093/med/9780199204854.003.210202_update_001, "Narrative review: evolving concepts in potassium homeostasis and hypokalemia", Content of Selected Foods per Common Measure, sorted by nutrient content (Potassium), List of foods rich in potassium (U. In rare cases, it can occur because someone is not getting enough potassium. Have you ever noticed your heart suddenly beating harder, faster or skipping a … How hypokalemia causes tachycardia; how it affects resting membrane potential. Acutely, repletion with 10 mEq of potassium is typically expected to raise serum potassium by 0.1 mEq/L immediately after administration. 5. Hypokalemia is more common in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and gastrointestinal illnesses that cause severe or persistent diarrhea … Accessed April 5, 2017. Hypokalemia may occur as a result of increased rate of loss of body’s potassium or reduced intake. In the heart, hypokalemia causes arrhythmias because of less-than-complete recovery from sodium-channel inactivation, making the triggering of an action potential less likely. Certain medications can cause excess potassium loss in the urine. Hypokalemia in dogs and cats occurs typically from one of three basic mechanisms that are not mutually exclusive: 1) decreased intake, 2) translocation from extracellular fluid to intracellular fluid, and 3) increased loss. In hypokalemia, the level of potassium in blood is too low. The most common cause is excess loss from the kidneys or gastrointestinal tract. Other hypokalemia symptoms include fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps, and constipation. This is a relatively uncommon cause, as most people get enough potassium from the foods they eat. [1][19], Hypokalemia leads to characteristic ECG changes (PR prolongation, ST-segment and T-wave depression, U-wave formation). [3] Lower levels of potassium require replacement with supplements either taken by mouth or given intravenously. Mild hypokalemia does not usually cause symptoms. Mild hypokalemia may be asymptomatic or cause mild nonspecific symptoms such as nausea, muscle weakness, and fatigue. Severe hypokalemia, with serum potassium concentrations of 2.5–3 meq/l (Nl: 3.5–5.0 meq/l), may cause muscle weakness, myalgia, tremor, and muscle cramps (owing to disturbed function of skeletal muscle), and constipation (from disturbed function of smooth muscle). Mild cases may not have any symptoms. Potassium contained in foods is almost entirely coupled with phosphate and is thus ineffective in correcting hypokalemia associated with hypochloremia that may occur due to vomiting, diuretic therapy, or nasogastric drainage. The most common congenital cause of hypokalaemia is Gitelman's syndrome, associated with impaired renal tubular ion transport due to a mutation in the Na+/Cl− co-transporter gene . Potassium. [1] Solutions containing high concentrations of potassium (>40 mmol/L) should generally be given using a central venous catheter. Dr.P.Sharath Chandra 2. Normally, your blood potassium level is 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). The most common congenital cause of hypokalaemia is Gitelman's syndrome, associated with impaired renal tubular ion transport due to a mutation in the Na+/Cl− co-transporter gen… 1 Clinicians chase potassium levels with potassium supplementation, risking hyperkalemia when renal dysfunction ensues. Potassium is an important electrolyte within the body and is vital for the normal function of muscles and nerves. It is critical to the proper functioning of nerve and muscles cells, particularly heart muscle cells. [18] Faster infusion rates are therefore generally only performed in locations in which the heart rhythm can be continuously monitored such as a critical care unit. [4] It affects about 20% of people admitted to hospital. Adding potassium deficit and daily potassium requirement would give the total amount of potassium need to be corrected in mmol. If the urine potassium level is less than 20 mEq/L, consider the followi… What causes hyperkalemia? Although the most common causes are diuretic use and gastrointestinal losses, elevated cortisol levels can also cause hypokalemia through its effects on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. The most common cause is excessive potassium loss in urine due to prescription medications that increase urination. [25] When peripheral infusions are necessary, the burning can be reduced by diluting the potassium in larger amounts of fluid, or adding a small dose of lidocaine to the intravenous fluid,[24] although adding lidocaine may increase the likelihood of medical errors. Mild low potassium does not typically cause symptoms. It is a symptom of another disease or condition, or a side effect of diuretic drugs. Muscle Cramps and Spasms. Hypokalemia. The body needs potassium for the contraction of muscles (including the heart), and for the functioning of many complicated proteins (enzymes). Thus, decreased intake alone rarely causes significant hypokalemia. The body needs potassium for the contraction of muscles (including the heart), and for the functioning of many complicated proteins (enzymes). 7. Mount DB, et al. It is a laboratory artifact that may occur when blood samples remain in warm conditions for several hours before processing. Bartter's syndrome is closely related but presents in infancy with faltering growth and is due to a mutation in the Cl− channel gene. Common medications include loop diuretics (such as Furosemide). Alkalosis causes shifting of potassium from interstitial fluids and plasma into cells, due to Na+-H+ exchange stimulation and the resultant Na+/K+-ATPase activation. Causes of hypokalemia. Medications. Diagnosis: laboratory measurement of potassium. Gintel Syndrome: Gintel syndrome is a rare syndrome that causes imbalances in the ion concentrations of the body. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Vomiting can also cause hypokalemia, although not much potassium is lost from the vomitus. Hypokalemia is a low level of potassium (K+) in the blood serum. Symptoms may include feeling tired, leg cramps, weakness, and constipation. The following two tabs change content below. The kidney is responsible for the regulation of the potassium levels in the body. Mass. Among the causes of hypokalemia, losing too much potassium in the urine or from the digestive tract is the most common. Treatment: manage underlying cause and … Hypokalemia is thought to be severe if serum potassium levels become lower than 2.5 mmol/l. [1], Hypokalemia is one of the most common water–electrolyte imbalances. The effect can cause slow peristalsis which can lead to constipation. The most common cause is excess loss from the kidneys or gastrointestinal tract. A low potassium level has many causes but usually results from vomiting, diarrhea, adrenal gland disorders, or use of diuretics. Hyperkalemia results when there is impaired excretion of potassium due to acute or chronic kidney disease, or disorders or drugs that inhibit the rennin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis. There was no overt loss of potassium through GI tract and skin. Latest on COVID-19 vaccination by site: Adams JG. We demonstrate how the application of physiological principles may help to identify unusual causes of a very low plasma potassium (K +) concentration (P K) and paralysis.In the two patients described, the short time course of the illness suggested that there was an acute shift of K + into cells. A. Hypokalemia is defined as a serum K + level <3.5 mmol/L and is one of the most common electrolyte disorders. [1] Potassium levels that are only slightly below the normal range can be managed with changes in the diet. Diuretic use especially long-term therapy with any thiazide or loop diuretic is the most common medication-related cause. This, in turn, will guide the choice of further tests. [3] If given intravenously, potassium is generally replaced at rates of less than 20 mmol/hour. [26] Even in severe hypokalemia, oral supplementation is preferred given its safety profile. Lower potassium levels in the extracellular space cause hyperpolarization of the resting membrane potential. In: Emergency Medicine: Clinical Essentials. Hypokalemia 1. In addition, the reduced extracellular potassium (paradoxically) inhibits the activity of the IKr potassium current and delays ventricular repolarization. A person’s blood can become low in potassium if they haven’t been taking in enough through their diet. © 1998-2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). This content does not have an Arabic version. Clinically, the combination of hypokalemia, hypertension and metabolic alkalosis should make one suspect hyperaldosteronism either primary or secondary. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Due to prolonged repolarization of ventricular Purkinje fibers, prominent U waves occur (usually seen at V2 and V3 leads), frequently superimposed upon T waves, therefore producing the appearance of prolonged QT intervals, when serum potassium levels fall below 3 mEq/L. Summary. There are many causes of hypokalemia such as diarrhea, diabetes insipidus, dialysis, hypomagnesemia, hyperaldosteronism, side effect of medications like furosemide or steroids, and more. Renal potassium losses. Etiology. Abnormal GI potassium losses occur in all of the following: Clay (bentonite) ingestion, which binds potassium and ... Intracellular shift. Weakness and fatigue are often the first signs of potassium deficiency. Dividing mmol by 13.4 will give the potassium in grams. Most of the time hypokalemia is a symptom or side effect of other conditions and medications. A specialist consultation is required if an endocrine cause of hypokalemia is suspected. Potassium is found primarily in the skeletal muscle and bone, and participates with sodium to contribute to the normal flow of body fluids between the cells in the body. Renal losses. This page was last edited on 9 February 2021, at 07:36. Then, ST depressions and T inversions appear as serum potassium levels reduce further. [1] Low potassium also increases the risk of an abnormal heart rhythm, which is often too slow and can cause cardiac arrest. Normally, your blood potassium level is 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Definition Hypokalemia is defined as a persistently low levels of serum potassium lower than 3.6 mEq/L. What causes hypokalemia? List of 153 disease causes of Hypokalemia, patient stories, diagnostic guides, 49 drug side effect causes, 30 drug interaction causes. Rather, heavy urinary losses of K+ in the setting of post-emetic bicarbonaturia force urinary potassium excretion (see Alkalosis below). Increased sodium (hypernatremia) in the blood occurs whenever there is excess sodium in relation to water. Gastrointestinal tract losses. Mount DB, et al. Underlying Causes of Hypokalemia . Includes: possible causes, signs and symptoms, standard treatment options and means of care and support. This delayed repolarization may promote reentrant arrhythmias. Potassium helps carry electrical signals to cells in your body. [1] Hyperkalemia is a high level of potassium in the blood serum. The cause of hypokalemia is usually ascertained by obtaining a careful history, checking BP, and ordering a few laboratory tests. Low potassium (hypokalemia) has many causes. A special case of potassium loss occurs with, Disease states that lead to abnormally high, In addition to alkalosis, other factors can cause transient shifting of potassium into cells, presumably by stimulation of the Na, Rare hereditary defects of muscular ion channels and transporters that cause, A handful of published reports describe individuals with severe hypokalemia related to chronic extreme consumption (4–10 l/day) of. Meanwhile, the daily body requirement of potassium is calculated by multiplying 1 mmol to body weight in kilograms. It is critical to the proper functioning of nerve and muscles cells, particularly heart muscle cells. Hypokalemia, or decreased potassium, can arise due to kidney diseases; excessive losses due to heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, eating disorders, certain medications, or other causes. This was demonstrated in a study of normal individuals in whom lowering potassium intake to 20 mEq per day was associated with a reduction in serum potassium from 4.1 mEq/L at baseline to 3.5 mEq/L [ 2 ]. Kdeficit (in mmol) = (Knormal lower limit − Kmeasured) × body weight (kg) × 0.4 Hypokalemia is present when serum levels of potassium are lower than normal. Low potassium (hypokalemia) has many causes. Bio; Latest Posts; Maria Mona. Normal serum levels are 3.5-5mEq/L. Hypokalemia (low serum potassium) is a common electrolyte disorder that is typically caused by potassium loss (e.g., due to diarrhea, vomiting, or diuretic medication). Additionally, replacing potassium solely through diet may be costly and result in weight gain due to potentially large amounts of food needed. If your low potassium levels cause abnormal heart rhythms; When your hypokalemia is a result of another medical condition, your doctor will help you treat that. Underlying Causes of Hypokalemia . With more severe hypokalemia, flaccid paralysis and hyporeflexia may result. Other gastrointestinal causes include pancreatic fistulae and the presence of adenoma. Hypokalemia and hyperkalemia are common electrolyte disorders caused by changes in potassium intake, altered excretion, or transcellular shifts. Other causes of hypokalemia include: Increased excretion (or loss) of potassium from your body. Weakness and Fatigue. A person’s blood can become low in potassium if they haven’t been taking in enough through their diet. Heart Palpitations. Low potassium (hypokalemia) Causes. [3] Magnesium replacement may also be required. The exact cause of hypokalemia could not be ascertained in our patient. Sustained-release formulations should be avoided in acute settings. [1][2] It is classified as severe when levels are less than 2.5 mmol/L. Some medications may cause potassium loss which can lead to hypokalemia. Low potassium (hypokalemia) refers to a lower than normal potassium level in your bloodstream. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. What are the risk factors for low potassium? Typically, this is a consequence of diarrhea, excessive perspiration, or losses associated with muscle-crush injury, or surgical procedures. When the potassium levels in the body are low, it is mostly an indication of an underlying disease condition. Potassium, serum. A specialist consultation is required if an endocrine cause of hypokalemia is suspected. Diuretic use and gastrointestinal losses are common causes of hypokalemia, whereas kidney disease, hyperglycemia, and medication use are common causes … The cause of hypokalemia is usually ascertained by obtaining a careful history, checking BP, and ordering a few laboratory tests. Hypokalemia may occur as a result of increased rate of loss of body’s potassium or reduced intake. [1] Normal potassium levels are between 3.5 and 5.0 mmol/L (3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L) with levels below 3.5 mmol/L defined as hypokalemia. However, for those with chronic hypokalemia, repletion takes time due to tissue redistribution.   But not eating enough potassium can worsen the problem if another cause is present. Also known as water pills or diuretics, these types of medications are often prescribed for people who have high blood pressure or heart disease. Diagnostic checklist, medical tests, doctor questions, and related signs or symptoms for Hypokalemia. Potassium bicarbonate is preferred when correcting hypokalemia associated with metabolic acidosis.[23]. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. [1][3], Causes of hypokalemia include vomiting, diarrhea, medications like furosemide and steroids, dialysis, diabetes insipidus, hyperaldosteronism, hypomagnesemia, and not enough intake in the diet. Drugs. Introduction. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Med. Hypokalemia pathophysiology involves studying the impact of low potassium levels on the body. Low potassium (hypokalemia) refers to a lower than normal potassium level in your bloodstream. Occasionally, low potassium is caused by not getting enough potassium in your diet. The normal concentration of p…   But not eating enough potassium can worsen the problem if another cause is present. Two food related causes of hypokalemia that is worth noting is excessive sodium intake particularly in the form of table salt and excessive liquorice consumption. This hyperpolarization is caused by the effect of the altered potassium gradient on resting membrane potential as defined by the Goldman equation. Vomiting, diarrhea or both also can result in excessive potassium loss from the digestive tract. Kayexalate causes fecal potassium loss. Abstract. What Medications Can Cause Hypokalemia? Hypokalemia is a metabolic imbalance characterized by extremely low potassium levels in the blood. As a result, a greater-than-normal stimulus is required for depolarization of the membrane to initiate an action potential. INCREASED ENTRY INTO CELLS … Antibiotics. 1. [4] The word "hypokalemia" comes from hypo- meaning "under", kalium meaning “potassium”, and -emia meaning "condition of the blood". Hypokalemia (low serum potassium) is a common electrolyte disorder that is typically caused by potassium loss (e.g., due to diarrhea, vomiting, or diuretic medication). Hypokalemia Symptoms. This can be linked to digestive illness, certain drugs, Cushing syndrome, or low levels of magnesium in the blood. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. The usual cause of hypokalemia is a person losing potassium too quickly. Diarrhea or vomiting Medicines, such as diuretics, blood pressure medicines, or antibiotics Excessive use of laxatives Anorexia or bulimia nervosa Medical conditions, such as Cushing syndrome or kidney disease Not eating enough foods that contain potassium Care guide for Hyperkalemia. Hypokalemia and hyperkalemia are common electrolyte disorders caused by changes in potassium intake, altered excretion, or transcellular shifts. Causes of Hypokalemia Hypokalemia results from abnormal losses, transcellular shifts, or insufficient intake (Table 1).6-8 Abnormal losses are most com-mon.9 Because the … Causes of Hypokalemia Disease. It is important to be able to recognize the various causes of hypokalemia. Also known as water pills or diuretics, these types of medications are often prescribed for people who have high blood pressure or heart disease. Associations: Nausea and vomiting +/- bowel obstruction where a nasogastric tube is being used for management; Pathophysiology: The parietal cells within the gastric mucosa utilize the K + /H + ATPase pump to regulate the gastric contents of K + and H + ions. Hypokalemia is a term that refers to a low blood concentration of potassium. Usually, the common cause of low potassium in the body is due to its loss from the body as a result of severe vomiting, diarrhea, excessive laxative use or excessive sweating. In rare cases, low potassium is due to inadequate dietary intake. This is a rare cause and may occur in those with anorexia nervosa or those on a ketogenic diet. Maria Katun Mona is a Nursing and Midwifery Expert. There are several ways... 2. Diuretic use is a common cause of renally mediated hypokalemia.10 When given in the same dosage, chlorthalidone is more likely to induce hypokalemia … [7] Respiratory depression from severe impairment of skeletal muscle function is found in some people.[8]. [24] When replacing potassium intravenously, particularly when higher concentrations of potassium are used, infusion by a central line is encouraged to avoid the occurrence of a burning sensation at the site of infusion, or the rare occurrence of damage to the vein. If there is a condition that causes the hypokalemia, such as low levels of magnesium or an overactive thyroid, the … Hypokalemia is defined as decreased potassium levels in the body. Reports exist of rhabdomyolysis occurring with profound hypokalemia with serum potassium levels less than 2 meq/l. Potassium is a micro-mineral, an electrolyte that is required for proper functioning of the heart, nerves and maintaining salt-water balance in the body.Low levels of potassium may be life threatening. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Pseudohypokalemia is a decrease in the amount of potassium that occurs due to excessive uptake of potassium by metabolically active cells in a blood sample after it has been drawn. However, there are other causes of hypokalemia too. An effort should also be made to limit dietary sodium intake due to an inverse relationship with serum potassium. A low potassium level has many causes but usually results from vomiting, diarrhea, adrenal gland disorders, or use of diuretics. With vomiting, the cause is not mainly direct loss of potassium but that of chloride causing high levels of aldosterone which inhibits potassium reabsorption from the kidney tubules. It is important to remember that the cause of hypokalemia can be multifactorial, with the involvement of more than one mechanism or etiology. [5], Mild hypokalemia is often without symptoms, although it may cause elevation of blood pressure,[6] and can provoke the development of an abnormal heart rhythm. [21], Treatment including addressing the cause, such as improving the diet, treating diarrhea, or stopping an offending medication. 98% of body potassium is intracellular (150mEq/L) whereas only 2% of it is intracellular (3.5-5mEq/L) However, a low potassium intake can contribute to the severity of potassium depletion when another cause of hypokalemia is superimposed, such as diuretic therapy. Alkalosis : This causes low potassium level by 2 mechanisms. Potassium supplements are generally prescribed for low potassium levels. Foods rich in potassium include dried fruits (particularly dried figs), nuts, bran cereals and wheat germ, lima beans, molasses, leafy green vegetables, broccoli, winter squash, beets, carrots, cauliflower, potatoes, avocados, tomatoes, coconut water, citrus fruits (particularly oranges), cantaloupe, kiwis, mangoes, bananas, and red meats. Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. It can be associated with either a decreased or a normal total body potassium content. Steroids and steroid-like medications. Hypokalemia which is recurrent or resistant to treatment may be amenable to a potassium-sparing diuretic, such as amiloride, triamterene, spironolactone, or eplerenone. Measurement of urine potassium is of vital importance because it establishes the pathophysiologic mechanism and, thus, is used in formulating the differential diagnosis. [1] Mild low potassium does not typically cause symptoms. 1 Usually the cause or causes of hypokalemia are obvious; however, determination of the fractional clearance of potassium may help differentiate renal and non-renal losses. Mayo Clinic facts about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Our COVID-19 patient and visitor guidelines, plus trusted health information, Mayo Clinic Health System patient vaccination updates. It is a symptom of another disease or condition, or a side effect of diuretic drugs. Hypokalemia is defined as decreased potassium levels in the body. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. The most common cause of low potassium is excessive potassium loss through the urine or … [4], The earliest electrocardiographic (ECG) findings, associated with hypokalemia, are decreased T wave height. In most cases, the cause of hypokalemia is apparent from the history and physical examination. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2013. https://www.clinicalkey.com. If there is a condition that causes the hypokalemia, such as low levels of magnesium or an overactive thyroid, the other condition must be treated also. Background: Hypokalemia is a common clinical disorder caused by a variety of different mechanisms. Clinical manifestations and treatment of hypokalemia in adults. May cause hypokalemia such as infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis with vomiting. Potassium is essential for many body functions, including muscle and nerve activity. Potassium is a micro-mineral, an electrolyte that is required for proper functioning of the heart, nerves and maintaining salt-water balance in the body.Low levels of potassium may be life threatening. Diuretic use is a common cause of renally mediated hypokalemia.10 When given in the same dosage, chlorthalidone is more likely to induce hypokalemia than hydrochlorothiazide, which is more often implicated because of its widespread use.11,12 Diuretic-induced hypokalemia is dose-dependent and tends to be mild (3 to 3.5 mEq per L [3 to 3.5 mmol per L]), although it can be more severe when accompanied by other causes (e.g., gastrointestinal [GI] losses).13 This concentration gradient is maintained principally by the Na+/K+ pump. Electrolytes disorders. For example, correction by 1 mEq/L can take more than 1000 mEq of potassium over many days. The causes, signs and symptoms, treatments, and nursing considerations for hypokalemia are reviewed. It is a rather common electrolyte disturbance, especially in hospitalized patients, with various causes and sometimes requires urgent medical attention ().It usually results from increased potassium excretion or intracellular shift and less commonly from reduced potassium intake. This means most times; hypokalemia is often a symptom of another disease. Mild hypokalemia may be asymptomatic or cause mild nonspecific symptoms such as nausea, muscle weakness, and fatigue. Mayo Medical Laboratories. Hypokalemia is more common in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and gastrointestinal illnesses that cause severe or persistent diarrhea or vomiting. Potassium helps carry electrical signals to cells in your body. A low potassium level can make muscles feel weak, cramp, twitch, or even become paralyzed, and abnormal heart rhythms may develop. Inadequate potassium intake and low magnesium levels can result in hypokalemia. Mild hypokalemia doesn’t cause symptoms. [23], The plot of the science fiction novel Destiny's Road by Larry Niven centers around the setting's scarcity of available potassium, and the resulting deficiency and its effects on the world's colonists and their society. Accessed May 5, 2017. [3] Symptoms may include feeling tired, leg cramps, weakness, and constipation.