Abnormally low levels of potassium in the blood, typically below 3.5 mEq/L. Can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, heart rhythm problems, and in severe cases, paralysis.
From Greek 'hypo' (under/below), Arabic 'al qali' (plant ashes), and Greek 'haima' (blood). Recognition of this condition became important with the widespread use of diuretics in the mid-20th century, which can dangerously deplete potassium.
Hypokalemia can literally paralyze you from the feet up, starting with leg weakness and progressing to complete paralysis if severe enough. Bananas became famous as a 'health food' partly because of their potassium content, though you'd need to eat about 10 bananas to replace what one potassium pill provides.
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