hypokalemia

(noun)

The condition of having an abnormally low concentration of potassium ions in the blood.

Related Terms

Examples of hypokalemia in the following topics:

  • Alkalosis

    • Metabolic alkalosis is usually accompanied with hypokalemia, causing, e.g., muscular weakness, myalgia, and muscle cramps (owing to disturbed function of the skeletal muscles), and muscle spasms (from disturbed function of smooth muscles).

  • Vomiting

    • Combined with the resulting alkaline tide, this leads to metabolic alkalosis and often hypokalemia.
    • The hypokalemia is an indirect result of the kidney compensating for the loss of acid.

  • Diuretics

    • They are more correctly called aquaretics.The main adverse effects of diuretics are hypovolemia, hypokalemia, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, metabolic alkalosis, metabolic acidosis and hyperuricemia.