Chlorides in the blood

Reference values (norm) of chloride concentration in blood serum are 98-107 meq / l (mmol / l).

The total chlorine content of a healthy person with a body weight of 70 kg is approximately 2000 mmol, i.e. 30 mmol / kg. Chlorine is the main extracellular cation. In the body, it is mainly in the ionized state, in the form of salts of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, etc. Chlorine plays an important role in maintaining the acid-base balance (between plasma and erythrocytes), osmotic balance (between blood and tissues), the balance of water in the body, activates amylase, and participates in the formation of hydrochloric acid in gastric juice.

Under physiological conditions, the changes in the chlorine concentration are secondary to changes in other electrolytes and are aimed primarily at creating an electroneutrality of the medium: if the bicarbonate content rises, the chlorine content decreases; when sodium rises, chlorine increases. Uncompensated hyperchloremia leads to metabolic acidosis. Chlorides from the body are excreted mainly with urine (90%), and also with sweat and feces. Chlorine exchange regulates the homon of the cortex of the adrenals and thyroid gland.

Violation of chlorine metabolism leads to the development of edemas, insufficient secretion of gastric juice. A sharp decrease in the chlorine content in the body can lead to a serious condition, even to a fatal coma.