1. Abnormally low potassium concentration in the blood, it may result from potassium loss by renal secretion due to renal disease or drug actions or by gastrointestinal loss due to vomiting or diarrhoea.
It may be manifested clinically by neuromuscular disorders ranging from weakness to paralysis, by electrocardiographic abnormalities (depression of the T wave and elevation of the U wave).
Severe hypokalaemia can result in cardiac arrhythmias and death.
Origin: Gr. Haima = blood
(11 Jan 1998)
