18. Cardiac Arrest: Hypokalemia’s Most Dangerous Outcome
In extreme cases, hypokalemia can lead to cardiac arrest, a life-threatening condition in which the heart suddenly stops beating. This is due to the impact of severely low potassium levels on heart function, particularly the electrical activity that controls heart rhythm.
Cardiac arrest requires immediate medical intervention to restore heart function and prevent death. Preventing and treating hypokalemia is essential to minimize the risk of cardiac arrest and protect heart health. (15)