Electrolytes
Overview
HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M
Definition
Electrolytes are minerals in your blood and other body fluids that carry an electric charge.
See also:
- Ionized calcium
- Ions
- Radioactive iodine uptake
- Serum calcium
- Serum chloride
- Serum magnesium
- Serum phosphorus
- Serum sodium
- Sweat electrolytes
Alternative Names
Serum chemistries
Information
It is important to keep a balance of electrolytes in your body, because they affect the amount of water in your body, blood acidity (pH), muscle action, and other important processes. You lose electrolytes when you sweat, and you must replace them by drinking fluids.
Electrolytes exist in the blood as acids, bases, and salts (such as sodium, calcium, potassium, chlorine, magnesium, and bicarbonate). They can be measured by laboratory studies of the blood.
Review Date: 8/14/2007
Reviewed By: Charles Silberberg, DO, Private Practice specializing in Nephrology, Affiliated with NY Medical College, Division of Nephrology, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Reviewed By: Charles Silberberg, DO, Private Practice specializing in Nephrology, Affiliated with NY Medical College, Division of Nephrology, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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