If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), you may have experienced an electrolyte imbalance and/or acute kidney failure (AKF). Even without CKD, some people may develop these conditions from an infection, trauma, or kidney obstruction. If left untreated, they may have serious implications. Learn more about AKF and electrolytes, along with the common signs of electrolyte imbalance.* 

What does AKF mean?

One of the primary roles of the kidneys is to maintain a stable level of fluid and electrolytes in the body by filtering the blood and removing certain components, such as electrolytes, to maintain stability in the body. When there is an injury to your kidney(s), an imbalance of electrolytes may occur, which can lead to acute kidney failure.

AKF usually has a sudden onset that may last for several hours to a few days. If the underlying cause is addressed, AKF may improve. If not addressed, AKF can be fatal.

What are electrolytes?

Electrolytes are typically consumed in your diet and when dissolved in your blood carry an electrical charge. Each electrolyte has specific roles, but the primary function of electrolytes, in general, is to maintain the proper function of nerve and muscle cells. 

What is the role of each electrolyte? What are the signs of imbalance?

Potassium, sodium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium are the five types of electrolytes founds in the body. The following is what each electrolyte does and how your body will warn you of an imbalance.

Potassium 

Potassium is needed to maintain the normal function of cells, nerves, and muscles. High potassium, or hyperkalemia, is typically associated with AKF, as injured kidneys are unable to remove extra potassium. 

Hyperkalemia is associated with:

• Abdominal cramping
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Paralysis 
• Cardiac arrest

Sodium 

Sodium plays a major role in fluid balance in the body. Individuals with AKF may experience either low (hyponatremia) or high (hypernatremia) sodium levels. 

Signs of a sodium imbalance include:

• Confusion
• Muscle twitching
• Weakness
• High blood pressure (with hypernatremia)

Phosphorus

When phosphorus is combined with oxygen, it forms phosphate. Phosphate is a building block for many substances in your body, such as DNA and cell membranes. High phosphorus levels (hyperphosphatemia) are typically more associated with AKF than low phosphorus (hypophosphatemia). 

Symptoms of hyperphosphatemia include:

• Itching
• Red eyes
• Joints pain
• Muscle weakness

Calcium 

Calcium has an inverse relationship to phosphorus. With both AKF and CKD, high phosphorus may lead to low calcium, or hypocalcemia. When this happens, your body may pull calcium from your bones to be utilized in other functions, such as muscle contraction, blood clotting, and heart rhythm. 

Signs of hypocalcemia include: 

• Seizures
• Heart arrhythmias 
• Demineralization of bones
• Cardiac failure

Magnesium 

Magnesium is used for the formation of bone and teeth and the normal functioning of nerves and muscles. High magnesium (hypermagnesemia) is more associated with AKF.

The following are signs of hypermagnesemia:

• Hypotension
• Reduced heart rate
• Cardiac arrest

*Smith, Y. B. (2019, June 11). Electrolyte Disturbance and Acute Kidney Failure. News Medical Life Sciences. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Electrolyte-disturbance-and-acute-kidney-failure.aspx