What is hypokalemia?

Hypokalemia is characterized by low levels of potassium in the blood, which is a crucial electrolyte necessary for various physiological functions, including muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and maintaining proper fluid balance. The normal range for potassium levels in the blood is typically between 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. When potassium levels fall below this range, it can lead to significant health issues, including muscle weakness, fatigue, and arrhythmias.

Elevated potassium levels, known as hyperkalemia, would correspond with a different condition, not hypokalemia. Maintaining the correct balance of potassium is vital, as both low and high levels can have serious implications for cardiovascular and muscular function. Normal potassium levels indicate a healthy balance, while excessive calcium in the blood points to a separate issue entirely, related to calcium metabolism or parathyroid function. Therefore, the definition of hypokalemia specifically refers to the insufficient amount of potassium in the bloodstream, confirming that low potassium is the correct answer.