Hypokalemia, commonly known as low potassium syndrome, occurs when potassium levels in the blood are abnormally low. Potassium is an essential element for central nervous system cell activity, particularly in cardiac muscle tissue. The kidneys regulate potassium content in the body, allowing excess potassium to pass via urine or sweat. No symptoms frequently accompany moderate hypokalemia. Signs do not usually occur until potassium levels are shallow.
Potassium levels in the blood should be between 3.6 and 5.2 mill moles per liter (mmol/L). Weakness, weariness, defecation, muscle pain, and pulses are all symptoms of this condition. A level of less than 3.6 mmol/L is reported be low, and anything less than 2.5 mmol/L is life-threatening. There may be indications and consequences of paralysis, respiratory distress, muscular tissue degradation, and bowel obstructions (lazy bowels) at these stages.