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hypokalemia

hypokalemia

1 9.4
A low level of potassium in the blood that can cause weakness or heart problems
  • noun
  • /ˌhaɪpoʊkəˈliːmiə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : hipokalemia
  • In older patients with hypertension, newly prescribed thiazides were linked to hyponatremia, hypokalemia, and risk for kidney injury.
  • hypokalemia and hyponatremia

Examples

  • Patients with hypokalemia may experience fatigue and irregular heartbeats.

  • The only setting in which we begin with spironolactone monotherapy is in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis who have profound hypokalemia.

    Academic text (2007)
  • Among these disorders, conditions such as hypoglycemia and hypokalemia are most commonly seen.

    Academic text (2018)
  • In particular, potassium levels can be reduced, a complaint described as hypokalemia, as stated by the University of Michigan Health System.

    Blog text (9)
  • Laboratory abnormalities included borderline hyponatremia and hypokalemia.

    Academic text (2007)
  • It has been known for a long time that frequent use of these products causes electrolyte imbalance and hypokalemia, leading to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and death.

    Blog text (8)
  • Makam and colleagues state that many trials have been done in controlled settings, but real-world data about these AEs, namely hyponatremia, hypokalemia, and acute kidney injury, are lacking.

    Academic text (2014)
  • Hypokalemia should be avoided in patients with cirrhosis and ascites because potassium depletion can enhance renal ammonia production and possibly precipitate hepatic coma.

    Academic text (2007)
  • The doctor explained that hypokalemia can lead to muscle weakness and heart problems.

  • Regular monitoring of potassium levels is essential to prevent hypokalemia during treatment.

Antonyms

hyperkalemia
  • Specialized
1 9.1

A high level of potassium in the blood that often happens because of kidney problems or some medicines

How Much

hyperkalemia
  • Specialized
1 9.1
hypokalemia
  • Specialized
1 9.4

Surface Forms

hypokalemia singular
hypokalemias plural

Morphology

hypokalemia = kalemia (opaque) = hypo + kal + emia

The prefix hypo- and the combining forms for potassium and blood condition are technical, so the base is not readily interpretable for an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Hypokalemia is made of hypo- 'under' or 'low', kalium 'potassium', and -emia 'blood'. So hypokalemia means 'low potassium in the blood', which is why it can cause weakness or heart problems.