Electrolytes are minerals that your body needs to function properly. They help balance your body fluids, control your heart's rhythm, and help nerves and muscles work. Types of electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphate, bicarbonate, and more.
A person's electrolytes can become too high or too low, which is called an electrolyte imbalance or electrolyte abnormality. In many cases, this imbalance is caused by minor dehydration. In other cases, it can be a sign of a more serious problem, such as kidney or liver disease.
Minor electrolyte imbalances may not cause any problems, but more severe ones may cause:
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- headaches
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Fast heartbeat
- Muscle cramps or spasms
- Muscle weakness
Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition
department
Kidney Medicine
For patients with kidney disease, the team at Boston Medical Center offers expert, personalized care for all forms of acute and chronic kidney diseases and specializes in complex …