Potassium Deficiency Symptoms
and Symptoms of High Potassium

Potassium deficiency symptoms can result in Hypokalemia or low levels of potassium in your blood. Too much potassium in your blood is called Hyperkalemia.

Symptoms of high potassium or Hyperkalemia are more rare than symptoms of Hypokalemia or low potassium.

Too much potassium in your blood can result from consuming a diet that is high in potassium and very low in sodium, but usually the problem is the other way around - consuming a diet with high amounts of sodium and low amounts of potassium.

Symptoms of Potassium Deficiency
or Hypokalemia

• Nausea & Vomiting
• Chills & Weakness
• Mentally Confused
• Temporary Memory Loss
• Irregular Heartbeat
• Increased Blood Pressure
• Muscle Weakness & Cramps
• Inability to Move Legs
• Inability to Move Arms
• Abdominal Cramping
• Dry Skin & Edema
• Abdominal Bloating
• Constipation & Feeling Thirsty
• Low Blood Pressure & Fainting
• Tingling & Numbness
• Headaches & Irritability
• Nervous Behavior & Hallucinations
• Depression & Insomnia
• Cardiac Arrest & Paralysis

Reasons for Low Potassium

Diarrhea & Vomiting

Overuse of Diuretics like Coffee

Medications & Drug Use

Kidney Problems or Failure

High Sodium intake

Adrenal Gland Disorder

Profuse Sweating

Anorexia Nervosa & Mal-Nutrition

Prolonged Use of Laxatives

Alcoholism

Prolonged Fasting

Influenza

Cushings Syndrome

Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory Bowel Disorders

Tap Water Enemas

Too Much Insulin
Overcooked & Processed Foods

Tobacco Chewing

Magnesium Deficiency

Overactive Thyroid Gland

Excessive Water Drinking

Hormonal Imbalances

Symptoms of High Potassium or Hyperkalemia

• Irregular Heartbeat
• Kidney or Renal Failure
• Muscle Weakness
• Extreme Fatigue
• Tingling Sensations
• Numbness
• Difficulty Breathing
• Paralysis
• Heart Failure

Reasons for Too Much Potassium

Major Infections & Dehydration

Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Renal Or Kidney Impairment

Too Much Potassium Supplements

Treatments that Contain Potassium

Addison's Disease & Diabetes

Certain Medications & Drugs

Chemotherapy

Crack Cocaine & Alcoholism

Strenuous or Prolonged Exercise

Metabolic Acidosis

High Protein Diets

Injury or Trauma

Severe Hormonal Imbalances

What is a Normal Potassium Level?

Hypokalemia occurs when a potassium blood level falls below the 3.5 level and Hyperkalemia occurs when a potassium blood level is above the 5.0 level.

An interesting note: There is a possibility that 1 out of 5 people hospitalized in the United States have a low potassium blood level - a 2.5 blood potassium level is considered "life threatening".


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