Definition

A condition where there is not enough potassium in the blood, which can lead to various health issues.

Example

The doctor diagnosed her with hypokalemia after her blood tests showed low potassium levels.

Conversation

I learned that hypokalemia can really affect your energy levels.

Yeah, I read that it's caused by a lack of potassium in the diet.

Exactly! I should probably pay more attention to my potassium intake.

Definitely, adding some bananas or spinach could help with that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hypokalemia is formed from "hypo-" (meaning under or below) and "kalium" (from Greek "kalium", meaning potassium) and "-emia" (meaning blood condition). The term describes a condition characterized by a lower than normal level of potassium in the blood.

Memory Tip

Think of 'hypo-' meaning 'under' and 'kalium' referring to 'potassium' in the blood. This helps you remember that hypokalemia is a condition of having low potassium levels.

Visually Confused Words