Electrolytes are the compounds which carry electric charge and present in the body fluids, tissues and cells. It is essential to maintain the balance of electrolytes in our body for normal functioning of cells and tissues, muscle coordination, heart function, fluid absorption and excretion, nerve function, and concentration. Sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate are the examples of electrolytes. The concentration of electrolytes in the body is maintained by various hormones present in kidney and adrenal glands.

Sodium is a major electrical cation present in the extracellular fluid and necessary for regulating water in the body. Main function of sodium is in brain, nervous system and muscles to communicate signals. High concentration of sodium in the body is called as Hypernatremia and low concentration of sodium in the body is called Hyponatremia. A normal blood sodium concentration is 134-145 mmol/L.

Potassium is a second major electrical cation present in the intracellular fluid and necessary for maintaining hart beats and muscle functioning. Extreme high concentration of potassium in the body is called as Hyperkalemia and extreme low concentration is called as Hypokalemia. A normal blood potassium concentration is 3.5 -5.0 mmol/L.

Chloride is a major electrical anion present in the extracellular fluid and in the blood. Chloride is mainly required for maintaining normal electrolyte balance in the fluids. High concentration of chloride in the body is called as Hyperchloremia and low concentration of chloride in the body is called Hypochloremia. A normal serum chloride concentration is 98-10⁸ mmol/L.

Bicarbonate acts as a buffer and helps in regulating acid base balance in the body. A normal serum bicarbonate concentration is 22-30 mmol/L.

Acidosis is the increased hydronium ion concentration in the body, whereas alkalosis is the increased hydrogen ion concentration. Metabolic acidosis and alkalosis plays important role in balancing of normal concentration of electrolytes in the body.