Mr Shayan an otherwise healthy individual developed diarrhea 7 days ago. He complained about 12-14 episodes of watery stools each day. He is reluctant to take medical care and has been using home remedies to treat diarrhea. Last night he presented in the A&E department with severe cardiac arrhythmia. Which of the following could be a possible explanation for his arrhythmia?

• A. Severe dehydration leading to hypotension and cardiac arrest.
• B. Excessive loss of potassium in the watery stools causing low plasma potassium levels and cardiac arrhythmia.
• C. Home remedies resulting in the weakening of cardiac muscles.
• D. Diarrhea resulting in septicemia and cardiac arrest.

Answer: (B)