Balance in three figures
Sodium reflects the water balance (hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte finding in the elderly on thiazides), chlorine complements the acid-base picture, potassium insures the rhythm. The panel is a standard for perioperative monitoring and drip therapy; repeated samplings track the correction.
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.
