What is hypokalemia?

Hypokalemia refers to abnormally low levels of potassium in the blood. Potassium is a vital electrolyte necessary for various bodily functions, including nerve signal transmission, muscle contraction, and maintaining fluid balance. When potassium levels drop below the normal range, it can lead to various health issues, such as muscle weakness, irregular heartbeats, and disturbances in nerve function. Understanding hypokalemia is essential because it can cause severe complications if not addressed, such as cardiac arrhythmias. This term is commonly used in medical settings to describe a specific electrolyte imbalance, which is critical for diagnosing and managing patients' health.