Question

What electrolytes are pivotal to the transmission of impulses via nerves and muscles?

What are the implications of abnormalities of these electrolytes on the cardiovascular system?

Answer 1

1.Sodium and potassium are the important electrolytes for the transmission of impulses via muscles and nerves. Sodium- potassium pump is the important mechanism taken place here. Initially in the resting state the sodium ions are inside the cell and the potassium ions are outside the cell.To initiate the impulse transmission , the cell membrane gets permeable and make potassium to enter into the cell and sodium to come out from the cell. this causes the impulse to transmit and makes contraction.Then it gets reversed it comes to resting state.

Thus sodium and potassium are the pivotal electrolytes in impulse transmission.

2.sodium and potassium are very much needed for myocardial functioning.Increase or decrease of potassium have problems with cardiac muscle contraction.It cause problems such as irregular rhythm and rate.Sodium electrolytes imbalance can cause blood vessel related problem and can even lead to heart failure.