Electrolyte imbalance during physical activity can cause which of the following?

Electrolyte imbalance during physical activity can cause which of the following?

• A. Muscle weakness
• B. Arrhythmias
• C. Confusion
• D. Fatigue

Answer: (B)

Electrolytes govern the electrical activity of heart cells and muscles. During exercise you lose electrolytes through sweat, and shifts in potassium, calcium, and magnesium can alter the heart’s resting membrane potential and the way electrical impulses travel through the conduction system. This can disrupt timing and coordination of heartbeats, leading to arrhythmias. They are the most clinically significant signal of electrolyte imbalance in activity because they reflect a direct disturbance of cardiac electrical stability, which can be dangerous. While muscle weakness, fatigue, and even confusion can accompany electrolyte disruptions, they do not pinpoint the immediate cardiac risk as clearly as arrhythmias.

Electrolytes govern the electrical activity of heart cells and muscles. During exercise you lose electrolytes through sweat, and shifts in potassium, calcium, and magnesium can alter the heart’s resting membrane potential and the way electrical impulses travel through the conduction system. This can disrupt timing and coordination of heartbeats, leading to arrhythmias. They are the most clinically significant signal of electrolyte imbalance in activity because they reflect a direct disturbance of cardiac electrical stability, which can be dangerous. While muscle weakness, fatigue, and even confusion can accompany electrolyte disruptions, they do not pinpoint the immediate cardiac risk as clearly as arrhythmias.