General Information About Electrolyte Imbalance
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
Electrolytes are minerals (such as sodium, potassium, etc.) that carry an electrical charge when dissolved in body fluids. They manage every cellular activity, from the beating of the heart to the transmission of nerve impulses and the contraction of muscles.
Extreme fluid loss (dehydration) through means like vomiting or diarrhea, blood pressure/diuretic medications, kidney dysfunctions, and nutritional deficiencies disrupt this balance.
It is an extreme drop in sodium in the blood. When sodium drops, water enters the cells, causing brain cells to swell. This leads to confusion, headaches, and, in severe cases, a coma.
Potassium is critically important for the electrical conduction of the heart muscle. If it drops too low (Hypokalemia) or rises too high (Hyperkalemia) in the blood, it causes fatal arrhythmias that can directly stop the heart.
The milliequivalent (mEq/L) level of minerals in the blood is accurately measured with a simple Blood Biochemistry test taken from a patient presenting with complaints of fatigue and cramps.
In mild cases, it is resolved with dietary adjustments and oral (pill) treatments. In emergency situations where symptoms are severe, the patient is hospitalized, and the deficient electrolytes are slowly replaced with intravenous (IV) fluids.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
