hypokalemia

noun

hy·​po·​ka·​le·​mia ˌhī-pō-ˌkā-ˈlē-mē-ə 

: a deficiency of potassium in the blood

hypokalemic

ˌhī-pō-ˌkā-ˈlē-mik 

adjective

Examples of hypokalemia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As potassium, an electrolyte, is crucial to cardiac electrical activity, extreme cases of hypokalemia can cause cardiac arrest, according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM). — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 13 Sep. 2026

Excessive licorice root intake can cause hypokalemia, which may raise blood pressure. — Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 3 Aug. 2026

This could lead to hypokalemia or low potassium levels. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026

While potassium is recommended for many people with high blood pressure, some blood pressure medications can cause hypokalemia (low blood potassium levels). — Merve Ceylan, Health, 11 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from hypo- + kalium potassium (from kali alkali, from Arabic qily saltwort) + -emia

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hypokalemia

• academia
• azotemia
• bacteremia
• hyperaemia
• hyperemia
• hypoxemia
• septicaemia
• septicemia
• thalassaemia
• thalassemia
• tularemia
• anaemia

Medical Definition

hypokalemia

noun

hy·​po·​ka·​le·​mia

variants or chiefly British hypokalaemia

-kā-ˈlē-mē-ə 

: a deficiency of potassium in the blood

called also hypopotassemia

hypokalemic adjective

or chiefly British hypokalaemic

-ˈlē-mik