Maintaining consistent levels of potassium in the blood and cells is vital to body function. Even with high intakes of potassium, the kidneys will clear any excess, and blood levels will not be increased. Major infection, gastrointestinal bleeding, and rapid protein breakdown also may cause elevated potassium levels. Deficiency of potassium is much more common, especially with aging or chronic disease. Some common problems that have been associated with low potassium levels include hypertension, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrythmias, fatigue, and depression and other mood changes.
Many factors reduce body levels of potassium.
Diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal problems may rapidly reduce potassium. Infants with diarrhea must be watched closely for low blood potassium, termed hypokalemia. Diabetes and renal disease may cause low as well as high potassium levels. Heat waves and profuse sweating can cause potassium loss and lead to dehydration, with potassium leaving the cells along with sodium and being lost in the urine. People who consume excess sodium can lose extra urinary potassium, and people who eat lots of sugar also may become low in potassium.