hypocalcemia

noun

hy·​po·​cal·​ce·​mia ˌhī-pō-ˌkal-ˈsē-mē-ə How to pronounce hypocalcemia (audio)
: a deficiency of calcium in the blood
hypocalcemic adjective

Examples of hypocalcemia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Key Takeaways Calcium deficiency (hypocalcemia) occurs when your body doesn’t absorb enough calcium. Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 11 June 2025 In severe cases, hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) or hypokalemia (low potassium levels) might occur, according to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Amy McGorry, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025 Some other examples include lung diseases such as pneumonia, metabolic disorders such as hypocalcemia, kidney diseases like renal cell carcinoma, and hiccups can also be a symptom of tumors in the brain stem or stomach. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 18 Nov. 2024 In severe cases, hypocalcemia can lead to depression, paresthesias (abnormal sensations), parkinsonism (slowed movements, muscle rigidity, and tremors), and seizures. Kashif J. Piracha, Verywell Health, 12 July 2024 Each year, the E.R. at Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital in Kano, Nigeria’s second-largest city, received one or two cases of hypocalcemia caused by malnutrition, said Salisu Garba, a kindly health worker who hurried from bed to bed, ward to ward. Ismail Auwal Taiwo Aina, New York Times, 11 June 2024 For severe hypocalcemia, intravenous infusions may be necessary.¹¹ If hypoparathyroidism is causing low blood calcium, calcium/vitamin D supplements may be needed for life. Sandra Gordon, Health, 9 Feb. 2024 Other associated conditions are hypocalcemia (low blood calcium, which can cause numbness, tingling, and muscle cramping) and osteopenia, an overall loss of bone density and mass. Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 26 Dec. 2023 David had persistent hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels) and frequent infections because of inadequate levels of T cells in his immune system. Mark Cohen, Discover Magazine, 28 Aug. 2014

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypocalcemia was in 1925

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Cite this Entry

“Hypocalcemia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypocalcemia. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

hypocalcemia

noun
hy·​po·​cal·​ce·​mia
variants or chiefly British hypocalcaemia
: a deficiency of calcium in the blood
hypocalcemic adjective
or chiefly British hypocalcaemic

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