Electrolyte number one
Hypokalemia (diuretics, vomiting, diarrhea) is manifested by weakness and extrasystoles; hyperkalemia in CKD can be asymptomatic until rhythm disturbances - therefore, control by plans, and not by well-being. Urologists monitor potassium after renal surgery and obstruction. Values outside the norm are duplicated by repeated sampling (hemolysis overestimates).
When is it appointed?
- arrhythmias, cramps, muscle weakness - potassium, magnesium, calcium;
- taking diuretics and heart medications - potassium control;
- kidney stones - calcium, phosphorus, magnesium in search of the cause;
- anemia - iron, transferrin, ferritin;
- hair loss, skin, immunity - zinc.
Mineral balance
Electrolytes control heart rhythm, muscle and nerve function; their shifts are dangerous and often medicinal (diuretics, laxatives). For urology, a mineral panel is part of the metabolic diagnosis of urolithiasis: calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in the blood and urine explain why stones grow and make it possible to prescribe relapse prevention instead of endless operations.
