Potassium is an essential nutrient for heart health and should be made a part of a balanced diet. It not only helps reduce the risk of high blood pressure but also lowers the chances of developing Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) such as heart attack and stroke. As an electrolyte, potassium supports nerve and muscle function, regulates heart activity, and aids in the movement of nutrients and waste within your body's cells. While the connection between potassium and heart health is complex, it is well-established.
Onlymyhealth spoke with two leading experts to explore this relationship and how maintaining adequate potassium levels can support heart health.
Also Read: These Potassium Rich Foods Will Help You Manage Blood Pressure
How Potassium Deficiency Affects Heart![]()
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Ajay Shah, Managing Director of Neuberg Ajay Shah Laboratory, explains how potassium plays a key role in regulating heart function.
He says that potassium is a vital nutrient that helps maintain proper electrical impulses in the heart muscles. A deficiency in potassium, known as hypokalaemia, can disrupt these electrical signals, leading to irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), which may increase the risk of cardiovascular issues such as palpitations, heart failure, or even sudden cardiac arrest in severe cases.
Dr Prashant Pawar, Consultant-Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi, says that adequate levels of this particular mineral can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure and stroke. He adds that it can also help prevent vascular calcification, characterised by the buildup of calcium in the smooth muscle cells within the heart's arteries. This, he says, contributes to atherosclerosis, which causes the arteries to harden over time.
Signs Of Potassium Deficiency![]()
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the daily requirement for potassium varies based on age and gender. For healthy adults aged 19–50, the recommended intake is 3,400 mg for males and 2,600 mg for females. For pregnant and lactating women, potassium requirements are a little higher, with 2,900 mg and 2,800 mg being the recommended amounts, respectively.
If potassium levels in the body are low and one does not fulfil their daily recommended intake, they are likely to experience various symptoms. These include:
- Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
- Palpitations (a feeling of skipped heartbeats or fluttering in the chest)
- Weakness or fatigue due to impaired heart muscle function
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
- In extreme cases, chest pain or heart failure
Dr Shah noted that individual needs for potassium may vary depending on factors such as overall health, activity level, and medical conditions, and therefore, consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can help determine personalised potassium requirements.
Also Read: Avoiding Hyperkalemia And Hypokalemia: Here’s How Much Potassium Do You Need In A Day
Cardiovascular Symptoms Associated With Potassium Deficiency
If you're low on potassium or are suffering from hypokalaemia, here are some cardiovascular problems and symptoms you may experience:
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Heart failure, or even sudden cardiac arrest in severe cases.
How To Restore Potassium Levels In The Body![]()
Here’s how you can increase potassium levels in your body:
- Consuming potassium-rich foods, such as bananas, potatoes, avocados, and leafy greens
- Taking potassium supplements, if prescribed by a healthcare provider
- Addressing underlying health issues or adjusting medications that may be causing potassium loss
- Maintaining hydration to prevent dehydration, which can exacerbate potassium imbalances
- Regular monitoring of potassium levels, especially for individuals at risk of heart problems
Dr Pawar concludes that potassium is essential for maintaining the electrical conductivity of the heart. It helps regulate the balance of sodium and potassium across cell membranes, which controls the electrical impulses that keep the heart beating rhythmically. Without sufficient potassium, the heart’s electrical system can malfunction, leading to arrhythmias and other cardiovascular problems.