Electrolytes are important minerals found in your blood and body fluids. They include potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and chloride. Electrolytes keep your body running by sending electrical impulses to cells in your nerves and muscles, regulating fluid levels and blood pressure, and repairing tissue damage.
It’s normal to have temporary changes in your electrolyte levels after excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea. But if your electrolyte levels are frequently too low or too high, you may have an electrolyte disorder.
UPMC experts specialize in diagnosing and treating electrolyte disorders. Our team will find the cause of your condition and develop a treatment plan to manage your symptoms and reduce your risk of complications.
Electrolyte disorders happen when one or more of your electrolyte levels are too low or too high. It’s normal to have temporary changes in your electrolyte levels when you lose a lot of fluids after excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea. But if your electrolyte levels are frequently too low or too high, you may have an electrolyte disorder.
Your kidneys regulate your body’s fluid and electrolyte levels. If your kidneys aren’t working properly, you may develop an electrolyte disorder. If your electrolyte disorder is severe or left untreated, it can cause serious complications.
Electrolyte disorders have different names based on which mineral is out of balance.
They also use a prefix based on whether the electrolyte level is too high or too low:
The most common types of electrolyte disorders are:
Electrolyte disorders may be caused by:
Some people get electrolyte disorders from the medicine they take for other health problems, such as:
Life-threatening conditions — such as shock or severe dehydration — can also cause electrolyte disorders.
Losing body fluids from excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea is the most common cause of electrolyte imbalance.
Mild electrolyte disorders are common in people over 55. Older adults are at higher risk for these disorders, but young people can also have them.
You may be at higher risk of electrolyte disorders if you have:
Without treatment, electrolyte disorders can become life-threatening and cause:
You may not be able to prevent all types of electrolyte disorders. However, you can reduce your risk by:
Electrolyte disorders are common, especially in people over 55. Hyponatremia (low sodium levels) is the most common type of electrolyte imbalance.
Mild electrolyte disorders often don't have any noticeable symptoms. Symptoms of moderate electrolyte disorders include:
Symptoms of severe electrolyte disorders may include:
If you have severe electrolyte disorder symptoms, dial 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. If you have mild symptoms that don’t improve with at-home care, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Some electrolyte disorders do not cause noticeable symptoms and are diagnosed during routine physical exams or by testing for other conditions. If you have symptoms, your doctor will perform a physical exam, talk to you about your health history, and order blood and urine tests to diagnose electrolyte imbalances.
During your visit, your doctor will:
They may also:
Your doctor may also ask about:
Your doctor may order tests to check your electrolyte levels, including:
Your doctor may also order an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) test, which shows how efficiently your kidneys are functioning based on your age, creatinine level, and sex.
Mild-to-moderate electrolyte disorders can usually be managed to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Severe electrolyte disorders — such as those caused by kidney failure or genetic conditions — may require more intensive treatment, such as dialysis or intravenous (IV) medications. Your doctor will discuss your condition and prognosis with you.
Electrolyte disorder treatment depends on the type of disorder and whether it's due to an underlying condition, such as kidney disease or a genetic disorder. We'll work with you to find the cause of your electrolyte disorder and deliver expert treatment.
The most common treatments are:
Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as decreasing your fluid intake, or changing your diet, such as eating a potassium-rich diet, if you have low potassium.
Your doctor may recommend medications or medication changes to help you manage your electrolyte disorder, including:
If your electrolyte disorder is severe and caused by kidney failure, your doctor may recommend dialysis to clean and filter electrolytes from your blood.
During dialysis, a machine cleans waste from your blood and helps control your blood pressure.
There are two common types of dialysis:
If you have kidney failure, dialysis is a lifesaving treatment option. Without it, toxins, electrolytes, and fluid would build up in your body and cause death within days or weeks.
However, for most people, dialysis is only a short-term treatment. In time, you may need a kidney transplant.
When you choose UPMC for electrolyte disorder care, you will receive:
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-04-24.
