Understanding and Managing Potassium Deficiency

6. Heart and blood pressure issues

One of the key roles of potassium is that it aids in the waste removal process. Your kidneys dispose of waste through urine, and this waste includes any excess sodium you consume that your body doesn't need. If you're deficient in potassium, the waste removal process won't occur as efficiently as it normally would. This will force your bloodstream to reabsorb the excess sodium that your body doesn't need, as it has nowhere else to go. A high concentration of sodium in your bloodstream can lead to high blood pressure over time.

If your potassium deficiency is particularly severe, it can even lead to an abnormal heartbeat. As we discussed earlier, low levels of potassium often lead to weakened muscle contractions. Because your heart is a muscular organ, it may be directly affected by abnormal muscle contractions. Be sure to seek medical attention immediately if you have an irregular heart rhythm.