The body is a single and streamlined system, any changes in which cause disturbances in its work. So, if a failure occurs in the process of destruction of the body acids or alkalis, then the electrolyte composition of the blood also changes. This is due to the fact that positively and negatively charged particles of decay products form precisely at the moment of splitting of the substances mentioned. A change in the balance of electrolytes leads to the disruption of many internal processes. Therefore, it is important to monitor your health and take a blood test for electrolytes on time.
What are electrolytes
First of all, it should be noted that electrolytes in the human body are represented by two types of discharged particles:
- positively charged cations;
- negatively charged anions.
The former are formed by phosphate, bicarbonate and chloride compounds with the participation of organic acids. Particles with a positive charge are compounds of magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium.
Blood plasma electrolytes make up no more than one percent of the total plasma content, but this is enough to have a big impact on the state of health.
The location, quantitative and qualitative composition of anions and cations is involved in the regulation of the permeability of the membrane of the cell membrane, in the transport of substances for food and processed products.
What are electrolytes for?
These particles can be found both inside the cells and in the intercellular space. They perform a number of important functions that ensure the normal functioning of the body:
- determine the coagulation rate of blood;
- participate in the conductivity of cellular excitability;
- have an effect on thrombosis;
- participate in the transport of water molecules from blood to tissue, thereby regulating the level of acidity of the biological fluid;
- with their help, the transmission of nerve impulses is carried out.
In addition, in addition to the general effect on the body, it can be noted that each element that is part of the electrolyte has a considerable effect on various processes. But the most important are positively charged potassium and sodium ions, negatively charged chlorine.
Potassium
About 85-90% of potassium is located in the fluid inside the cells and is responsible for regulating the balance of water and the stability of the heart rhythm. The substance is also responsible for the delivery of oxygen to the brain.
Sodium
The largest accumulations of sodium can be found in the intercellular space, about half in the bones and cartilage, up to 40% in the fluid between structurally functional units and about 10% directly in the inner space of the cells. Sodium is responsible for the regulation of acid-base balance, cellular excitability, vascular tone, and affects the membrane potential. In addition, it supports the state of osmosis of intercellular fluid.
Chlorine
About 90% of all chlorine is contained in the space outside the cells and guarantees their lack of charge. The content of this element is proportional to the amount of sodium ions. He is involved in the normalization of the digestive system and liver.
The intake of substances important to the body occurs through ingestion, and the residues are removed by the kidneys.
In addition to the three main elements, there are others that are no less important. For example, magnesium is involved in supporting adequate cardiac function and in the formation of bone tissue. Calcium regulates the metabolic process and the construction of the skeleton and provides coagulation. Therefore, the composition of the decay products must be periodically checked by passing a blood test for electrolytes. As you can see, they play an important role in the functioning of the whole organism.
What is the purpose of analyzing blood gases and electrolytes
The concentration of decay products may vary in the presence of any disease. A blood test for electrolytes is prescribed if it is necessary to monitor the functioning of the kidneys and heart, if there are suspicions of an imbalance in the metabolism. In some cases, studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment.
However, the pathologies that occur in humans are very diverse and the electrolyte concentration can not always help, therefore, such an analysis is prescribed only for certain indications:
- pathology associated with the presence of nausea, dizziness and deviations in behavior has not been established;
- increased heart rate, various location and origin;
- arterial hypertension in order to identify the best treatment methods;
- pathology of the excretory system in order to establish diseases of the liver and pancreas.
As a rule, deviations from the norm of blood electrolytes are detected among several elements, both upward and downward. And if such anomalies are detected in only one, then re-examination is prescribed.
How to prepare for analysis
First you need to get an appointment from a doctor for a blood test for electrolytes. This type of study needs blood from a vein. The fence is made in the morning. In order for the concentration of electrolytes in the biochemical analysis of blood to be reliable, you should correctly prepare for the procedure. As part of this, the following rules must be followed:
- Blood sampling should be carried out 8-12 hours after an extreme meal.
- All drinks should be discarded, with the exception of ordinary still water.
- Do not smoke 2 hours before starting the procedure.
- Refuse from intense physical activity 24 hours before analysis.
If medication is being taken at the time of the study, then it is worth notifying the attending physician about this.
For children under five years of age, there is a special rule: half an hour before the procedure, you need to drink water in small portions.
Methods for determining the number of cations and anions
There are a number of methods that can determine the amount of electrolytes:
- Atomic spectral. It consists in the fact that samples in a liquid state of aggregation are converted into "atomic vapor" by heating (in this case, a temperature regime of more than 1000 degrees is used). Then, through spectral studies, the qualitative and quantitative composition of the samples is determined.
- Weighted. This method involves the study of biomaterial after its interaction with added enzymes, which results in precipitation. Separating and weighing it, they find out that they showed a blood test for electrolytes. The next step is to determine the mass of each individual component.
- Photoelectrocolorimetry. It consists in achieving the reaction of the test sample with the solution, while the result is a certain color. It is its saturation that determines the number of particles.
- Using a specialized device - an electrolyte analyzer, the determination of water balance is carried out. Using this device allows you to determine the exact amount of potassium, sodium and calcium ions, as well as the acidity of blood plasma.
What does a blood test for electrolytes and norms show?
Interpretation of the analysis results is carried out only by a specialist who is knowledgeable in the norms. Excessive content or deficiency of electrolytes is detected by comparing the norm of blood tests for electrolytes with the data obtained.
In adults
When decoding, the doctor focuses on a specially designed table. The result of the study, as a rule, does not depend on gender and is identical in representatives of male and female. The number of electrolytes is measured in mmol / L.
So, the norm of phosphorus content for men is 1.87-1.45, for women - 0.9-, 1.32; iron 17.9-22.5 and 14.3-17.9, respectively. The content of the remaining elements is the same for those and for those. Calcium - 3.4-5.5; sodium - 135-136; magnesium 0.64-1.05 and chlorine 98-106.
In addition to the existence of norms, it should be remembered that any person has physiological characteristics and the general state of health is different, so the conclusion is made by a specialist individually for everyone.
In children
The standards regarding the concentration of sodium, magnesium, calcium and chlorine ions are consistent with adult readings. The concentration of potassium and iron is proportional to age, while the phosphorus content does not depend on it.
For children, the norm is up to 1 year 7-18 micromol / l of iron and 4.1-5.3 mmol / l of potassium, after a year of 9-22 micromol / l and 3.5-5.5 mmol / l, respectively. The phosphorus content for children of all ages is 1.10-2.78 mmol / l
A timely analysis of the electrolyte content will allow you to identify violations, if any, and get rid of the pathology.
Causes of Imbalance
Detection of a blood test for electrolytes of any inconsistency with the decoding of the blood test, it does not matter in the direction of increasing or decreasing, can be considered a bad result that has a negative effect on the state of the body. Moreover, the reasons for the increase in the concentration of elements differ from the factors of decrease.
So, a deviation in the decoding of blood electrolytes indicates a pathology:
- excess sodium indicates overload of the body with salts, as a result of which kidney diseases develop that are associated with interruptions in urination;
- the increased content of potassium causes a violation of the heart rhythm, with the possibility of a further attack, and muscle weakness;
- a high concentration of calcium contributes to the formation of kidney stones;
- excess magnesium indicates that the body is dehydrated, is also a sign of kidney failure or inadequate functioning of the parathyroid gland.
How to determine which element is outside the norm
It is possible to determine which element is outside the norm not only with the help of a biochemical analysis of blood electrolytes, but also by the symptoms that appear when the correct concentration is disturbed.
So, for an excess of chemical elements show signs:
- with a high sodium content there is a continuous sensation of thirst and dryness in the oral cavity, as well as involuntary muscle contraction and irritability;
- with an excess of potassium, impotence, tingling and paresthesia in muscle fibers appear;
- with a large amount of magnesium, redness of the skin is observed, which also becomes hot to the touch, a feeling of weakness appears throughout the body;
- excessive concentration of potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and sodium ions interfere with the absorption of calcium;
- with a high content of the latter, no external symptoms are visible.
As well as excess, the lack of electrolytes has a strong effect on the body and leads to unpleasant consequences for humans. Often, a reduced concentration of ions indicates dehydration and leads to weakness and poor performance.
In addition, it is possible to determine which particular element is in shortage, due to indirect symptoms:
- with a lack of sodium, craving for food with a high salt content and muscle weakness are observed;
- with a lack of potassium, increased fatigue, disturbance of the heart rhythm, leg cramps, weakness are noted;
- with a low content of calcium, hair falls out, bones become fragile, convulsions are often observed;
- with a lack of magnesium, difficulties arise when swallowing food, disorientation can be observed.
One of the main reasons for lowering the level of electrolytes is the development of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, intense physical activity and an improper diet.
The consequences of violations of the quantitative composition of electrolytes
Since when conducting a blood test for in vitro electrolytes, they can reveal both an increased content of electrolytes and a reduced one, then the consequences must be considered in two cases.
If hyperhydration has occurred, that is, the liquid content is increased, then it accumulates inside the cells and in the space between them, and therefore the cells swell. In the case of cells of the nervous system, this causes the excitation of nerve centers and the occurrence of seizures.
If the opposite phenomenon is observed - dehydration, then thickening of the blood is noted, which leads to the formation of blood clots and a violation of normal blood circulation. In this case, the person loses weight, the skin dries, and wrinkles are formed, and the rhythm of the heartbeat is also disturbed.
How to bring particle levels to normal
To restore the balance of electrolytes in the blood, you must follow a number of rules:
- A properly organized diet will help restore a normal level of water-salt balance.
- Drinking plenty of fluids and unsalted foods will prevent the accumulation of excess sodium.
- The same measures will help get rid of an excess of magnesium.
- In addition, you can lower calcium levels with foods that are high in fiber.
- During exercise, it is worth drinking a lot to restore fluid loss.
- Products included in the diet should include all the necessary trace elements.
Observing these simple rules, and taking a blood test for electrolytes on time, you can protect yourself and your health from the occurrence and development of various pathologies, and ensure a long life.