Question 1

i have low electrolytes what does it means?

Accepted Answer

Low electrolytes: You may have a low sodium, Potassium Chloride or calcium levels in your blood. The first 3 could be seen in someone taking diuretics. Please provide more information for a better answer.

Question 2

what does it mean if my electrolytes are low?

Accepted Answer

Hard to know: If you were told you had "low electrolytes", some abnormal values were likely found on your blood chemistry.  Most often the test will include sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, (sodium bicarbonate) blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, glucose, calcium, and magnesium.  Electrolytes can be caused by renal dysfunction or certain meds.  Recommend discussing results with the ordering MD or your primary care doctor.

Question 3

what would typically be done or prescribed if my electrolytes are low? thanks

Accepted Answer

Depends: Treatment would depend on what electrolytes are abnormal.

Question 4

i have syncope issues! cardiologist tells me that even though my electrolytes are good it doesn't mean that i'm getting enough fluid! is this true?

Accepted Answer

Vagal reflex?: There are many causes of syncope, and one of the most common is a nerve reflex, called a vasovagal reflex, that can suddenly drop the heart rate and blood pressure. This occurs most commonly in the setting of dehydration. Electrolytes can be normal even when one is mildly dehydrated, so drinking more fluids is a reasonable first step. But further work up is needed if episodes continue.

Question 5

how is low extra cellular fluid levels diagnosed in alkalosis?can it be present despite electrolyte blood test showing normal electrolyte levels?

Accepted Answer

: There is a test using Evans Blue to measure extracellular fluid volume, but we physicians don't use it. Instead we know that depletion of extracellular volume leads to depletion &amp; contraction of circulating &amp; intracellular volume anyway. Serum sodium &amp; chloride can be high or  low  and BUN generally high  in this setting.

Question 6

active,exercise daily. i'm always hydrated &get electrolytes but get weekly disabling fatigue,lightheaded with very low bps& can't function & have to sleep the day or days & then feel better. i have lupus.normal adrenal function tests.possible cause?

Accepted Answer

: The issue is why is your BP so low &amp; how much this contributes to your marked fatigue. Are any of your meds causing the low BP?  Any anemia? Also chronic inflammation as seen in autoimmune disorders is a cause of marked fatigue. At this time I think you should back off on vigorous exercise as you're whipping a tired horse, I recommend a cardiovascular workup.Cardiovascular disease is common.in SLE

Question 7

can low electrolytes lead to troponin levels to elevate and cause chest pains?

Accepted Answer

Chest pain: One could postulate a scenario where that might happen but it isn't common...

Question 8

what does abnormal urea and electrolytes mean in diabetes. why told to drink more fluids?

Accepted Answer

Labs: If you blood urea nitrogen is elevated it means you are dry and need more hydration.  Elevated sugar makes diabetics frequently urinate which can lead to dehydration.

Question 9

numerous tests show sodium level of 133 (range 136 - 145). other electrolytes ok. i have hashis and mostly asymptomatic. is the low sodium concerning?

Accepted Answer

No: Serum sodium of 133 is not meaningfully low. As long as it is stable and you do not have any symptoms, do not be concerned.
For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Drink enough water daily, so that your urine is mostly colorless. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. 
Practice safe sex.

Question 10

i have crohn's disease which has caused mild metabolic alkalosis due to low electrolytes. can i safely consume pedialyte everyday to counteract this?

Accepted Answer

Crohn desease: or inflam bowel disease--here  inflamed colon loses its ability to absorb salt and water and potassium excretion in the lumen is decreases
so there is metabolic alkalosis due to volume depletion and potassium loss
in this case taking pedialyte should not hurt but is poorly absorbed

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Doctor answers about:

What does it mean when your electrolytes are low

A member asked:

I have low electrolytes what does it means?

A member asked:

What does it mean if my electrolytes are low?

A member asked:

What would typically be done or prescribed if my electrolytes are low? thanks

A member asked:

I have syncope issues! cardiologist tells me that even though my electrolytes are good it doesn't mean that i'm getting enough fluid! is this true?

A member asked:

How is low extra cellular fluid levels diagnosed in alkalosis?can it be present despite electrolyte blood test showing normal electrolyte levels?

A member asked:

Active,exercise daily. i'm always hydrated &get electrolytes but get weekly disabling fatigue,lightheaded with very low bps& can't function & have to sleep the day or days & then feel better. i have lupus.normal adrenal function tests.possible cause?

A member asked:

Can low electrolytes lead to troponin levels to elevate and cause chest pains?

A member asked:

What does abnormal urea and electrolytes mean in diabetes. why told to drink more fluids?

A member asked:

Numerous tests show sodium level of 133 (range 136 - 145). other electrolytes ok. i have hashis and mostly asymptomatic. is the low sodium concerning?

A member asked:

I have crohn's disease which has caused mild metabolic alkalosis due to low electrolytes. can i safely consume pedialyte everyday to counteract this?

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