Electrolytes are electrically charged atoms or groups of atoms, found within minerals that need to be . immersed within a solution in order to function properly. Electrolytes are further categorized into anions and cations. Because your body is fundamentally electrical, when these ions malfunction, it causes changes in the body's electrical properties, which occurs from a fluid imbalance. That malfunction not only affects the heart, but numerous body systems.
Anions and Cations
Anions include chloride, phosphate, bicarbonate and sulphate and are negatively charged ions. Cations include sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium and are positively charged ions. When you hear the term, "electrolyte imbalance," it most often refers to sodium or potassium; however, magnesium is often a close third. Because potassium is the major cation found within cellular fluid, an imbalance can adversely affect how your body systems send and receive nerve impulses. The major cation found outside your cells is sodium, with a small amount of calcium.
Balance
This balance of sodium and potassium is important for fluid stability within your body. If you become dehydrated or your body retains too much fluid, these ions can misfire, causing nerve signals to be dropped. When in balance, these positive and negatively charged ions keep the acidity, also called acid-base balance, in a neutral or near neutral state. This balance also allows nerve impulses and muscle contractions, two major functions of the heart, to work flawlessly.
Electrolyte Imbalance
When an electrolyte imbalance occurs, it disturbs the normal functioning of the heart muscle. Most often a sodium, potassium or calcium imbalance can cause voltage changes in and around the heart muscle. These changes impede nerve impulses and muscle contractions, which in turn can cause a drop in blood pressure or hypotension, a rapid and irregular heart rate, confusion or fatigue, with many symptoms dependent on the cause of the imbalance. The heart needs to function properly in order to transport oxygen and nutrients throughout your body to support energy production.
Causes
Drinking too much alcohol, excessive, or chronic vomiting or diarrhea, drinking too little or too much water can all cause an electrolyte imbalance. Certain drugs such as diuretics can flush too much water from your body if not properly dosed. Other causes include heart disease, kidney disease and renal failure. Any imbalance, regardless of the cause, can have a direct or indirect impact on your heart.
