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hypokalemia (hi″po-kә-le´me-ә)   abnormally low potassium concentration in the blood; it may result from potassium loss because of polyuria, vomiting, or diarrhea); excessive sweating; serious burns; or imbalances caused by hormone problems or activity of drugs in the system. Symptoms include muscle cramps in the legs with numbness and tingling; nausea and vomiting (which can further contribute to the potassium deficit); paralysis of the chest muscles that can cause respiratory arrest; and neurologic problems that can lead to confusion, irritability, and coma. The heart is particularly sensitive to potassium deficiency. Adj., hypokale´mic., adj.




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