Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals. They are found throughout the body in different concentrations inside and outside of cells. All cells maintain an electrical charge. Electrolytes maintain this electrical charge and help the cells perform work. They have a critical role in the body, and excessive or depleted electrolytes cause particular signs and symptoms. Consult a health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of electrolyte imbalances and other diseases.
Sodium
According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine" by Anthony Fauci, M.D., low sodium in the blood is divided into low sodium with high, normal or low amounts of fluid in the body. Low sodium with high amounts of fluid in the body typically follows liver, heart and kidney disease. Low sodium with normal amounts of fluid occurs with chronic health conditions, such as cancer. Low sodium and low fluid occur most often with blood loss. Symptoms of low sodium or hyponatremia depend on the severity. Oftentimes it goes unnoticed. At very low levels of sodium, a person may experience confusion, weakness, malaise, nausea, vomiting, muscle spasms, personality changes, seizures and possibly coma.
Potassium
Potassium plays a crucial role in the electrical function of nerves, muscles and the heart. Low potassium is typically caused by urinary loss, gastrointestinal loss or shifting of potassium from blood into cells. Symptoms include muscle weakness, cramping, fatigue, constipation and heart palpitations, if any symptoms are experienced. Signs include decreased reflexes or paralysis and changes in the electrical activity in the heart, measured by an EKG.
Magnesium
Magnesium binds to many proteins and enzymes to help carry out chemical reactions in the body. Low magnesium levels can cause muscle cramps, weakness, abnormal heart rhythms felt as palpitations, fast heart rate, tremors, confusion and high blood pressure.
Phosphate
Phosphate is an electrolyte that is high inside cells relative to the outside of cells. It serves to help transfer energy for motion and binds to many enzymes. Low phosphate has effects on the brain, muscles and blood cells. Symptoms from low phosphate in the brain range from personalty changes to confusion to coma. The muscles become weak, including the heart and eye muscles. Symptoms can include weakness, cramping, low blood pressure, double vision and difficulty breathing.
Calcium
Calcium is also essential for heart, nerve and muscle function, as well as for cells to communicate with one another. Low calcium leads to overly sensitive muscles and nerves. The muscles of the body can cramp and become tetanic. This means that they contract fully and do not relax. A pins and needles sensation may be felt in the hands, feet and around the mouth. Bruises may appear on the skin. The reflexes are excessively strong. The electrical activity of the heart can also be disturbed, leading to dangerous heart rhythms.
References
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Anthony S Fauci et al.; 17th Ed 2008
- "Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease"; Vinay Kumar et al; 8th Ed 2009
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