What are the symptoms of low potassium in the body?

Potassium is very important in the body. If the potassium level in the body is lower than normal, the threat to health will be very great. Friends with low potassium levels will definitely have more obvious symptoms, such as weakness in the limbs, drowsiness, coma, abdominal distension, etc., so friends must judge the disease based on these manifestations.

1. Neuromuscular system

It manifests as decreased neurological and muscle irritability. When serum K+ is less than 3.0mmol/L, weakness of the limbs muscles may occur. Muscle weakness often starts from the lower limbs and extends to the upper limbs. It is symmetrical on both sides and is heavier in the proximal part. When it is lower than 2.5mmol/L, flaccid paralysis may occur, most prominently in the muscles of the limbs, and tendon reflexes are sluggish or absent. When the respiratory muscles are affected, breathing difficulties may occur. Symptoms of the central nervous system include depression, fatigue, apathy, drowsiness, confusion, and even coma.

2. Digestive system

Potassium deficiency can cause weakened intestinal motility. Mild cases may cause loss of appetite, nausea, and constipation. Severe hypokalemia can cause abdominal distension and paralytic ileus.

3. Cardiovascular system

When blood potassium is low, myocardial excitability generally increases, and palpitations and arrhythmias may occur. In severe cases, atrioventricular block, ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation may occur, and finally the heart stops beating in a contraction state. In addition, it can also cause decreased myocardial tension, heart enlargement, peripheral vascular dilation, and decreased blood pressure.