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Electrolyte imbalance, or water-electrolyte imbalance, is an abnormality in the concentration of electrolytes in the body. Electrolytes play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis in the body. They help to regulate heart and neurological function, fluid balance , oxygen delivery , acid–base balance and much more.
An electrolyte in a solution may be described as "concentrated" if it has a high concentration of ions, or "dilute" if it has a low concentration. If a high proportion of the solute dissociates to form free ions, the electrolyte is strong; if most of the solute does not dissociate, the electrolyte is weak.
In body tissues, ions are also known as electrolytes, essential for the electrical activity needed to support muscle contractions and neuron activation. They contribute to osmotic pressure of body fluids as well as performing a number of other important functions. Below is a list of some of the most important ions for living things as well as ...
The ability for ions to move freely through the solvent is a characteristic of an aqueous strong electrolyte solution. The solutes in a weak electrolyte solution are present as ions, but only in a small amount. [3] Nonelectrolytes are substances that dissolve in water yet maintain their molecular integrity (do not dissociate into ions).
Whole-body sweat losses in men can exceed 2 L/h during competitive sport, with rates of 3–4 L/h observed during short-duration, high-intensity exercise in the heat. [39] When such large amounts of water are being lost through perspiration, electrolytes, especially sodium, are also being lost. [40]
Magnesium deficiency is an electrolyte disturbance in which there is a low level of magnesium in the body. [3] Symptoms include tremor, poor coordination, muscle spasms, loss of appetite, personality changes, and nystagmus. [1] [2] Complications may include seizures or cardiac arrest such as from torsade de pointes. [1]
Hypovolemia, also known as volume depletion or volume contraction, is a state of abnormally low extracellular fluid in the body. [1] This may be due to either a loss of both salt and water or a decrease in blood volume. [2] [3] Hypovolemia refers to the loss of extracellular fluid and should not be confused with dehydration. [4]
The concentrations of electrolytes in the blood are closely linked to fluid balance, so any action or problem involving fluid intake or output (such as polydipsia, polyuria, diarrhea, heat exhaustion, starting or changing doses of diuretics, and others) can require management of electrolytes, whether through self-care in mild cases or with help ...