An abnormally low blood serum potassium concentration is called hypokalemia (potassium deficiency). Hypokalemia (potassium deficiency) is most often due to excessive loss of potassium – for example, during prolonged vomiting or the use of diuretics. Symptoms of hypokalemia (potassium deficiency) include fatigue, muscle weakness and cramps, constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain. Severe hypokalemia (potassium deficiency) can cause muscle paralysis, arrhythmias (cardiac arrhythmias), and cardiac arrest, and therefore requires prompt medical attention.
The following conditions increase the risk of hypokalemia (potassium deficiency).
- Taking diuretics that increase urinary potassium excretion (eg, thiazide diuretia or furosemide).
- Alcoholism
- Prolonged vomiting
- Prolonged or severe diarrhea or excessive use of laxatives.
- Anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa
- Magnesium deficiency
- Chronic heart failure – chronic heart failure.
In rare cases, the consumption of too much licorice has caused hypokalemia (potassium deficiency). Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which has a physiological effect similar to that of aldosterone, thus increasing urinary potassium excretion
