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Electrolyte Imbalance

Electrolyte Imbalance

Electrolytes maintain the body's fluid balance at an optimum level so as to maintain important physiological functions such as nerves and muscles. Any sort of electrolyte imbalance leads to various health conditions. Electrolytes help balance pH and acid-base levels in the body and also aid osmosis. The endocrine, excretory and neuromuscular functions hinge on the right electrolyte balance in the body. The body needs small amounts of copper, fluoride, iron, selenium and zinc - trace minerals. On the other hand, larger quantities of macrominerals such as sodium, phosphate, magnesium and calcium are required. Important electrolytes in the human body are sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium and magnesium. With the right amount of body water balance, they separate into positive and negative ions on dissolving. When there is loss of body fluids (dehydration), electrolyte imbalance can result. Chronic heart or kidney disease, eating disorders and endocrine disorders can disturb the electrolyte balance. Electrolyte imbalance can occur due to malabsorption by the body, dietary imbalance and chemotherapy.

The effects of electrolyte imbalance are many. Symptoms can range from diarrhea and sweating to high fever and blood pressure changes. Altered levels of magnesium, calcium, sodium, phosphate, bicarbonate or potassium can lead to bone disorders, muscle spasms, disorders of the nervous system and changes in blood pressure. Convulsions or seizures are sometimes noticed in cases of electrolyte imbalance. A person suffering from electrolyte imbalance might notice twitching, lethargy and numbness. Urine and blood tests will reveal any electrolyte imbalance. Further investigations are carried out if the cause is traced to kidney or endocrine disorders. Electrolyte replacement is carried out with intravenous fluids and electrolyte solutions. Dietary changes may be prescribed to tackle any minor electrolyte imbalance.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening condition when the body has practically no insulin. This insulin deficiency results in extremely high blood sugar levels. Consequently, the muscle, fat and liver cells cannot use glucose for fuel. These cells are converted into glucose by hormones such as glucagon and adrenalin and turned into ketones through oxidation. As a result, the body uses fat for fuel. The increased levels of blood sugar are not flushed through urination. DKA is usually noticed in patients suffering from Insulin-dependent diabetes. A person can suffer from diabetic ketoacidosis if there has been severe dehydration and consequently the blood chemistry has been affected. There is accumulation of organic acids and ketones in the blood. Elevated ketone levels in the body upset its blood pH and make the blood acidic thereby triggering a toxic condition for the body's cells. Diabetic ketoacidosis is noticed when hyperglycemia exceeds over 300 mg/dL. If diabetes ketoacidosis is not attended in time, it can lead to coma and death. Surgery, infection, trauma, stroke or heart attack can also trigger diabetes ketoacidosis. Insufficient fluid intake, pancreatitis and alcohol abuse can trigger diabetes ketoacidosis.

Symptoms of diabetes ketoacidosis include excessive thirst and general weakness. There is frequent urination, loss of appetite and vomiting. Other symptoms of diabetes ketoacidosis are weight loss and abdominal pain. A person suffering from DKA tends to experience low blood pressure and increased heart rate. High ketone levels can give rise to a fruity-scent on the breath and vomiting. The patient will be restless and agitated. The skin will be hot and dry and appear flushed. Patients suffering from diabetes must check their blood glucose levels if they notice any symptoms of diabetes ketoacidosis. Poor diabetes management can lead to DKA.

Acidosis can be checked by testing the pH of the blood. Normal blood pH ranges from 7.35 to 7.45. If it is observed to be below 7.35, acidosis may have set in. Ketosis, acidosis and hyperglycemia can be diagnosed through blood tests. The patient will need fluid replacement till the body is sufficienty rehydrated. Electrolytes must also be suitably replaced as they are essential to the working of major organs and nerve cells. Electrolyte imbalance can lead to severe health hazards. Intravenous insulin aids in using up glucose for energy. Thus the breakdown of fat is stopped. Consequently acidosis and ketosis processes will be reversed.

Cardiac Arrhythmia

Cardiac arrhythmia refers to a disturbance of the heart rhythm. When the regular heart rhythm is disturbed, it can lead to symptoms that can range from mild to life-threatening. The heart may have slower beats or there may be a blockage of the electrical pathway of the heart. One of the most common form of cardiac arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation. This occurs in older persons when the upper atrial chambers of the heart do not pump correctly. This can lead to blood clots. Heart failure or electrolyte imbalance can bring on cardiac arrhythmia.

Tachycardia is a condition where there is rapid heartbeat due to inefficiency in the blood circulation. Tachycardia is a condition where the heart rhythm is more than 100 beats/minute. This can happen due to stress, hyperthyroidism or alcohol. On the other hand, Bradycardia is a condition where the heart rhythm is less than 60 beats/min. A ventricular arrhythmia can be life-threatening. This happens when there is ventricular fibrillation. It is essential to treat this condition and restore the rhythm within minutes to prevent heart damage and death. Allergic reactions can trigger arrhythmias.

Some persons suffering from cardiac arrhythmia notice symptoms such as dizziness, fainting and lightheadedness. There may be a fluttering or pounding sensation in the chest. Antiarrhythmic agents such as amiodarone and sotalol are prescribed to maintain the normal rhythm of the heart. In cases of atrial fibrillation, warfarin is used to prevent blood clots. Medication for cardiac arrhythmia includes beta blockers such as metoprolol and atenolol to reduce the heart rhythm. An electronic cardiac pacemaker may be implanted to regulate the heart beat.