Recognize potassium deficiency

General

Potassium is a natural component of the human body. It is an important mineral that the body needs to regulate the water balance and to transmit signals from nerve cells and muscle cells. Potassium also has a great influence on the heart and is involved in a regular heart rhythm.

In the body, potassium is found both in the cells and in the spaces between cells. There is a very specific relationship here. The shift in the relationship between cells and cells leads to disorders in the entire body. These can then influence the transmission of signals, the gastrointestinal tract, the muscles and also the heart and bring them out of balance. A massive change in the potassium balance in the body can be life-threatening, as potassium is jointly responsible for many vital processes. Such a disturbed relationship occurs when there is either too much or too little potassium in the body.

Normally, with a balanced diet, enough potassium is taken in with food. If too much is ingested, the excess potassium is excreted through the urine.

However, a potassium deficiency (hypokalaemia) can occur if there is a disorder in the gastrointestinal tract. In the event of diarrhea or vomiting, both the fluid content and the associated potassium content are unbalanced. Laxatives or water drugs (diuretics) can also lead to a potassium deficiency or a massive intake of salt.
In addition, excessive sweating without subsequent intake of enough fluids and nutrients can lead to a lack of potassium as it dries out the body. Dehydration of the body often affects older people who do not absorb enough fluids, but also small children. They are therefore particularly at risk of developing a potassium deficiency.

A slight potassium deficiency can be quickly compensated for by a diet rich in potassium. Plant foods in particular are high in potassium. Potassium supplements should not be consumed excessively in order to avoid excess potassium. This can manifest itself in a similar way to a potassium deficiency.

Recognize symptoms

A potassium deficiency is initially noticeable with very general signs. It can express itself in different ways, but often a combination of different aspects can indicate a potassium deficiency.

Initially, a potassium deficiency manifests itself as tiredness. Dizziness and headaches can also occur. Nausea and constipation can also develop, as potassium plays a major role in the gastrointestinal tract. These symptoms are relatively harmless, but still affect everyday life. Mood swings can also be caused by a potassium deficiency.

Symptoms such as muscle weakness, cramps or paralysis are more serious. These are due to the fact that potassium is responsible for the transmission of signals. Signals that are sent by the brain to the legs, for example, can no longer arrive unhindered and the movements can no longer be carried out ideally. In addition, too low a potassium content in the body can have a negative effect on the function of the kidneys and lead to functional impairment.

Since the heart is also a large muscle, the consequences of a potassium deficiency can also be felt here. They manifest themselves in arrhythmias, as the regular pumping of the heart is closely related to potassium. Cardiac arrhythmias can be life-threatening, depending on their extent. For this reason, if a potassium deficiency is detected, it should be corrected quickly.

diagnosis

If a potassium deficiency is suspected, a doctor should be consulted because of the possible serious effects. This can be done by a Blood count Prove a potassium deficiency with certainty and advise suitable therapy. A Potassium level in blood below 3.6 millimoles per liter (mmol / L) indicates a potassium deficiency. Other mineral concentrations can also be determined in a blood test in order to provide information about the existing effects or the cause of the deficiency. Also values ​​that are representative of the Kidney function should be co-determined in order to check whether this is functional.

In addition, in urine The concentration of potassium can be measured and it can be recognized whether too much or too little potassium is excreted.

Performing a Electrocardiogram (ECG) can show how the changed potassium content affects the function of the heart and whether medication may be necessary to support the heart. Any irregularities in cardiac activity can be recognized here (cardiac arrhythmias)

Potassium deficiency in diseases

Since potassium is involved in the functioning of many systems in the body, special attention must be paid to the potassium level in various diseases in order to be able to recognize a possible potassium deficiency in good time.

Especially in the case of underlying kidney diseases, it is important to have the potassium level regularly checked by a doctor by taking a blood sample. Since the kidneys are responsible for excreting excess substances, a dysfunctional kidney can lead to too much or too little of the minerals being excreted.

The potassium levels in the blood should also be checked regularly if the heart is weak or if you have cardiac arrhythmias. This is the case even if the cause of the disease is not a potassium deficiency. If there is an imbalance in the minerals in the course of the disease, it is important to recognize this quickly and to improve the symptoms by compensating.

If, due to a weak heart, dehydrating drugs (diuretics) or other heart support drugs (ACE inhibitors, sartans, aldosterone antagonists) are taken, it is also advisable to check the potassium levels regularly, as potassium has a great influence on the work of the heart and the water balance of the Body regulates.