What it means
The root in words about potassium. Its chemical symbol, K, comes from the same Latin name. hyperkalemiahy-per-kuh-LEE-mee-uhA blood potassium level above normal, over 5.0 mEq/L.hyper- abovekal potassium (from its Latin name, kalium)-emia in the bloodFull entry is too much potassium in the blood and hypokalemiahy-poh-kuh-LEE-mee-uhA blood potassium level below normal, under 3.5 mEq/L.hypo- belowkal potassium (from its Latin name, kalium)-emia in the bloodFull entry is too little; a kaliuretic drug makes the kidneys pass more potassium.
At a glance
| Also written | kal- |
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Related terms
potassium
A mineral in the blood that nerves and muscles, including the heart, need in order to work.
hypokalemia
A blood potassium level below normal, under 3.5 mEq/L.
hyperkalemia
A blood potassium level above normal, over 5.0 mEq/L.