Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia (pronounced: hi-po-ka-LEE-mee-uh) is a medical condition characterized by low levels of potassium in the blood serum.
Etymology
The term "Hypokalemia" is derived from the Greek words "hypo" meaning "under", "kalium" which is the Neo-Latin for potassium, and "emia" meaning "condition of the blood".
Definition
Hypokalemia is defined as a serum potassium level less than 3.5 mmol/L. Potassium is crucial for several vital body functions, including the maintenance of heart rhythm, muscle contraction, and nerve conduction.
Causes
Hypokalemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including excessive loss of potassium through the kidneys or gastrointestinal tract, inadequate potassium intake, or a shift of potassium from the blood into cells. Certain medications, such as diuretics, can also lead to hypokalemia.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hypokalemia can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Mild hypokalemia may not cause any symptoms, while severe hypokalemia can lead to muscle weakness, fatigue, arrhythmias, and in extreme cases, cardiac arrest.
Treatment
Treatment for hypokalemia typically involves addressing the underlying cause and replenishing the body's potassium levels. This can be achieved through dietary changes, oral potassium supplements, or in severe cases, intravenous potassium.
Related Terms
- Hyperkalemia: A condition characterized by high levels of potassium in the blood.
- Electrolyte imbalance: An imbalance of minerals in the body, which can include hypokalemia.
- Hypomagnesemia: A condition characterized by low levels of magnesium in the blood, which can often occur alongside hypokalemia.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hypokalemia
- Wikipedia's article - Hypokalemia
This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski