Hypokalemia
Type: Symptom
Definition
An abnormally low concentration of potassium in the blood.
Clinical Details
The physiological mechanism that reabsorbs sodium under the influence of aldosterone operates on an exchange system, forcing the kidneys to aggressively excrete potassium in the urine. This continuous, forced wasting of potassium depletes the body's systemic stores. The low potassium levels disrupt electrical signaling throughout the nervous and muscular systems.