Ionogram

Proven content

Electrolytes found in body fluids of our body are water solutions of ions that have been endowed with an electric charge (cation – positive charge or anion – negative charge). Electrolytes are necessary for the proper functioning of the body, being responsible, among others, for the transport of water through cell membranes, muscle contractions and relaxation, and for the proper functioning of the brain. The most important electrolytes are: sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron. Both their deficiency and excess can have dangerous effects on human health.

Ionogram – the purpose of the study

A ionogram is a set of laboratory testswhich are intended to judge the quantity electrolytes in plasma. The ionogram is similar to the tests performed on peripheral blood counts. Determination of electrolyte concentration is performed in blood to be taken from the patient on an empty stomach, at least 12 hours after the last meal and preferably in the morning. A few days before undergoing the examination, you should maintain your usual diet (then you must not make significant changes to the menu). Before executing ionogram it is recommended to give up alcohol, smoking and increased physical exertion, as well as avoid stress. Also, medications, pharmacological agents, herbs or dietary supplements you take may affect your test results.

Ionogram – indications for the examination

Ionogram should be performed when there is a suspicion of fluid and electrolyte imbalance in the body. Ionogram it is commonly used in evaluating the treatment of diseases such as high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease. It is also performed in patients whose medications may cause electrolyte imbalance. An indication to do ionogram symptoms may include:

1. irregular blood pressure,
2. Heart arythmia,
3. swelling of the lower limbs,
4. general weakness of the body,
5. abnormal kidney function,
6. abnormal liver function,
7. dizziness and imbalance
8. muscle cramps,
9. muscle aches,
10. concentration disorders,
11. sleep disturbances,
12. severe diarrhea and vomiting,
13. disturbances in the body’s water balance,
14. suspicion of hormonal disorders,
15. suspicion of metabolic diseases.

Ionogram – interpretation of results

Sodium

Deficiency punishment in the blood, the symptoms of which are muscle twitching, problems with memory and concentration, dry skin and mucous membranes, and headache, indicates hyponatremia. Its source may be, among others severe diarrhea, kidney disease, Addison’s disease, severe vomiting, cirrhosis or heart disease. Excess punishment in the body is hypernatremia, which with high blood pressure and narrowing of blood vessels, and its effect may be, among others stomach cancer or stroke.

Potassium

Below normal potassium (hypokalemia) may indicate kidney disease, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, anorexia or malnutrition, severe burns, vomiting, diarrhea, Addison’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome. Among the causes of excess potassium (hyperkalemia) include insulin deficiency, kidney disease or aldosterone deficiency. Deficiency Effects potassium they can be: permanent fatigue, muscle spasms, swelling of the arms and legs.

Calcium

Among the symptoms of deficiency calcium (hypocalcemia) you can observe sleep disturbances, nervousness, constantly tense nerves and problems with wound healing. Deficiency may be due to insufficient absorption from the gastrointestinal tract or from intestinal diseases, too little vitamin D, kidney disease or pancreatitis. Excess calcium (hypercalcemia), on the other hand, is associated with constipation, nausea and a lack of appetite. The excess may be associated with hyperthyroidism, intoxication with vitamin D or A, or it may be the result of taking certain medications (e.g. with a diuretic effect) or it may mean some cancers (e.g. breast or lung).

Magnesium

Deficiency magnesium (hypomagnesaemia) manifests itself, inter alia, in with trouble concentrating, memory disorders, deteriorated mood, sleep disorders, calf cramps or eyelid twitching. Low level magnesium It may turn out to be the result of, for example, an overdose of vitamin D, pancreatitis, kidney or adrenal disease, hyperparathyroidism, the use of contraceptives, laxatives or diuretics. Excess magnesium (hypermagnesaemia) occurs in the presence of insufficient adrenal cortex, inflammation of the intestines or too much absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.

Iron

Too low level iron in the blood may be associated with impaired absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, its excessive loss, excessive deposition in tissues or its intake in too little amounts with food. In turn, too much iron it can be caused by alcohol abuse or taking birth control pills. High level iron it may also indicate acute hepatitis, overabsorption from the gastrointestinal tract or its excessive intake with food or in the form of supplements. Excess iron It can occur, for example, in patients after transfusion, lead poisoning, kidney or liver diseases.