How does hypokalemia induce heart failure?

Hypokalemia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Hypokalemia can lead to arrhythmias, cardiac enlargement, and ultimately heart failure in patients. It is typically caused by inadequate intake or excessive excretion of potassium.

Causes

1. Inadequate Intake: Prolonged irregular eating habits or a diet lacking potassium-rich foods can result in potassium deficiency.

2. Excessive Excretion: Conditions such as diarrhea, vomiting, and heavy sweating can increase potassium excretion from the body, leading to hypokalemia.

Symptoms

In hypokalemia, reduced potassium ion concentration in extracellular fluid may cause intracellular potassium ions to migrate outward, leading to a decrease in intracellular potassium. This inhibits the sodium-potassium pump function at the neuromuscular junction, promoting potassium ion influx from extracellular to intracellular spaces. Ultimately, this decreases the myocardial cell membrane potential, impairing normal contraction and relaxation functions, which may induce heart failure.

Treatment

For acute heart failure caused by hypokalemia, electrolyte imbalances must be actively corrected, and potassium supplements are administered. Common medications include Potassium Chloride Sustained-Release Tablets and Potassium Citrate Granules. For chronic heart failure, diuretics such as Furosemide Tablets and Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets should be prescribed as per medical advice. Additionally, treating the underlying cause is crucial. In cases of hypokalemia due to nephrotic syndrome, glucocorticoid medications like Prednisone Acetate Tablets can be used to alleviate symptoms.

It is recommended to maintain a balanced diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, and high-quality protein sources like bananas, apples, milk, and eggs, which help replenish essential nutrients. Furthermore, adopting healthy habits like ensuring adequate sleep and avoiding prolonged sleep deprivation can prevent exacerbating the condition.