Hypokalemia is a clinical condition characterized by an abnormally low concentration of potassium in the blood, typically defined as a serum potassium level below 3.5 mmol/L. While it is most commonly referred to by its medical name, Hypokalemia, it may also appear in older medical records or literature as "potassium deficiency" or "hypopotassemia." What are the alternative names for Hypokalemia? In clinical practice, Hypokalemia is the standard terminology used globally. You may occasionally encounter the term "hypopotassemia," which is derived from the Latin word for potassium (*kalium*). Historically, the condition was sometimes described simply as "potassium deficiency," though this term is less precise because it does not distinguish between total body potassium depletion and a simple shift of potassium into the cells. How is Hypokalemia classified in medical systems? Medical coding systems utilize specific identifiers to ensure consistency in diagnosis and research. The official classifications for Hypokalemia include: ICD-10: E87.6 (Hypokalemia) ICD-11: 5B90.0 (Hypokalemia) OMIM: While Hypokalemia can be a feature of various genetic disorders (such as Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis, OMIM #177300), it is classified as a metabolic laboratory finding rather than a single genetic disease entity. Orphanet: Hypokalemia is often categorized under rare electrolyte or periodic paralysis disorders, such as Familial Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis (ORPHA: 2056). Why does this condition have multiple names? The nomenclature for Hypokalemia has evolved to reflect medical advancements. "Hypopotassemia" is largely considered an archaic synonym, falling out of favor as medical terminology standardized toward the "kalemia" suffix (derived from the Arabic *al-qali* for alkali). Using Hypokalemia ensures that clinicians, pharmacists, and researchers worldwide are referring to the same diagnostic criteria, specifically the serum concentration threshold of 3.5 mmol/L. Next steps Consult a nephrologist or endocrinologist to investigate the underlying cause of your Hypokalemia. Keep a detailed log of your serum potassium levels and any associated symptoms, such as muscle weakness or palpitations. Join our community at DiseaseMaps.org to connect with 7 other members who are managing similar electrolyte imbalances. Ask your physician for a copy of your lab reports to ensure your records reflect the correct ICD-10 code for Hypokalemia. Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; always seek the advice of your physician regarding a medical condition. References NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis. Orphanet: Portal for rare diseases and orphan drugs. Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM): Database of human genes and genetic disorders. World Health Organization (WHO): International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).

Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-05-08

Hypokalemia is a clinical condition characterized by an abnormally low concentration of potassium in the blood, typically defined as a serum potassium level below 3.5 mmol/L. While it is most commonly referred to by its medical name, Hypokalemia, it may also appear in older medical records or literature as "potassium deficiency" or "hypopotassemia." What are the alternative names for Hypokalemia? In clinical practice, Hypokalemia is the standard terminology used globally.

Hypokalemia synonyms

Name: Hypokalemia synonyms
Creator: DiseaseMaps Editorial Team
Published: 2016-08-24UTC14:40:53.0000000

Other names for Hypokalemia: synonyms, acronyms and related terms used by doctors and patients.

Hypokalemia is a clinical condition characterized by an abnormally low concentration of potassium in the blood, typically defined as a serum potassium level below 3.5 mmol/L. While it is most commonly referred to by its medical name, Hypokalemia, it may also appear in older medical records or literature as "potassium deficiency" or "hypopotassemia."

What are the alternative names for Hypokalemia?

In clinical practice, Hypokalemia is the standard terminology used globally. You may occasionally encounter the term "hypopotassemia," which is derived from the Latin word for potassium (*kalium*). Historically, the condition was sometimes described simply as "potassium deficiency," though this term is less precise because it does not distinguish between total body potassium depletion and a simple shift of potassium into the cells.

How is Hypokalemia classified in medical systems?

Medical coding systems utilize specific identifiers to ensure consistency in diagnosis and research. The official classifications for Hypokalemia include:

ICD-10: E87.6 (Hypokalemia)

ICD-11: 5B90.0 (Hypokalemia)

OMIM: While Hypokalemia can be a feature of various genetic disorders (such as Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis, OMIM #177300), it is classified as a metabolic laboratory finding rather than a single genetic disease entity.

Orphanet: Hypokalemia is often categorized under rare electrolyte or periodic paralysis disorders, such as Familial Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis (ORPHA: 2056).

Why does this condition have multiple names?

The nomenclature for Hypokalemia has evolved to reflect medical advancements. "Hypopotassemia" is largely considered an archaic synonym, falling out of favor as medical terminology standardized toward the "kalemia" suffix (derived from the Arabic *al-qali* for alkali). Using Hypokalemia ensures that clinicians, pharmacists, and researchers worldwide are referring to the same diagnostic criteria, specifically the serum concentration threshold of 3.5 mmol/L.

Next steps

Consult a nephrologist or endocrinologist to investigate the underlying cause of your Hypokalemia.

Keep a detailed log of your serum potassium levels and any associated symptoms, such as muscle weakness or palpitations.

Join our community at DiseaseMaps.org to connect with 7 other members who are managing similar electrolyte imbalances.

Ask your physician for a copy of your lab reports to ensure your records reflect the correct ICD-10 code for Hypokalemia.

Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; always seek the advice of your physician regarding a medical condition.