Symptoms of Potassium Deficiency

Symptoms of potassium deficiency appear when the level of potassium in your blood is severely low. These symptoms are usually mild, but can become more severe as the levels drop. They include weakness, heart palpitations, thirst, and abnormal psychological behavior. This article will discuss the symptoms of potassium deficiency.

Weakness

One of the first symptoms of potassium deficiency is weakness. When there is not enough potassium in your system, you will feel weak or tired. You will also experience cramping in your arms or legs. Sometimes, this cramping will be so severe that you can hardly move around. Cramping may also occur in the abdominal area and cause bloating. Besides weakness and cramping, heart palpitations may also be ones of the symptoms of low potassium.

Heart Palpitations

Heart palpitations are one of the serious symptoms of low potassium. These irregular heart beats can range from mild to severe. If you experience heart palpitations, you will need to seek hospital treatment immediately. Your blood pressure may also begin to lower and may lead to fainting.

Psychological Behavior

Another one of the symptoms of potassium deficiency is abnormal psychological behavior. These abnormal behaviors include depression, psychosis, and delirium. You may also appear confused or have hallucinations whenever the potassium level in your body decreases too much.

Dry Skin

Reduced skin elasticity is also one of the symptoms of potassium deficiency. If there is not enough potassium in your body, your tissues will start to harden. You can test this by pinching the skin on the back of your hand and holding it. If potassium levels in your body are sufficient, the skin should return to normal within two seconds of releasing it.

Thirst

Thirst is one of the final symptoms of potassium deficiency. It is common for you to have a feeling of thirst most of the time. This increased thirst will lead to increased fluid intake which will in turn cause you to increase your frequency of urination.

These are some of the symptoms of potassium deficiency. You will usually experience weakness and leg cramps that can be so severe that you can hardly move around. Heart palpitations are one of the most severe symptoms of low potassium and requires immediate hospital treatment. You may also experience increased thirst and abnormal psychological behavior. If you experience any of these symptoms of low potassium, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

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