When blood levels of potassium are slightly low, the condition, called hypokalemia, can usually be remedied by potassium supplementation. If levels are very low, individuals may need potassium intravenously (through the vein). One type of hypokalemia occurs when there is too much thyroid hormone in the system. In this case, treatment causes potassium levels to rise and thyroid hormone to lower. Untreated hypokalemia can cause damage to the kidneys or death.
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