Calcium chloride is known as a chemical compound, an inorganic mineral that can be used as a medicine for the treatment of various disorders or alterations that are related to the deficiency or excess of the level of calcium in the body, although it is also added in different foods, mainly in some cheeses and a food known as basic spherification, which is similar to the creation of caviar.
Although it is a compound that can have numerous health benefits, it is important to consult a doctor before entering the body, since it can cause various disorders such as bradycardia, cardiorespiratory disturbances, burning discomfort, among others. If you don’t know much about it, at FastlyHealwe want to detail what calcium chloride is for in the human body .
Table of Contents
Hypocalcemia treatment
When the level of calcium in the blood is lower than normal , whose value in adults ranges from 8.5 to 10.2 mg / dL, it is considered that one suffers from hypocalcemia and its treatment is one of the things that calcium chloride serves in the human body. Because calcium is a fundamental part of the body’s physiological processes, a deficit of it leads to a series of imbalances and health problems. There are several causes of this disorder, including:
- The lack of vitamin D
- Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages
- Renal failure Chronic
- Diuretic treatment
- Massive blood transfusion.
The symptoms that occur depend on the degree and speed in which the calcium in the blood decreases, which is why numbness of the fingers, muscle aches and spasms, and even shortness of breath can occur. To treat this disorder, the most recommended is the use of calcium chloride, since it is necessary to increase the level of this mineral quickly and provides more calcium than other compounds, but its administration must be under strict medical supervision.
Combat increased potassium in the blood
Another function of calcium chloride in the human body is to adjust imbalances due to hyperkalemia or hyperkalemia , which consists of potassium concentrations in the blood above 5.5 mEq / L and if it exceeds 7 mEq / L it is usually a serious case . This increase in the macromineral can occur for various reasons, since it is being consumed in excess, that the potassium in the cells moves to the outside or that it cannot be eliminated correctly by the kidney.
Taking into account that under normal conditions potassium is found within cells to regulate muscles and nerves, the excess of this in the blood can mainly cause:
- Muscle spasms
- Numbness of the fingertips
- Heart rhythm disturbance.
By applying calcium chloride injection it is possible to reactivate cell membranes and reestablish conduction of the cardiac impulse, reducing heart rate problems and other symptoms present; however, the use of said compound will be based on the judgment of the specialist.
Decreases hypermagnesemia
Although it is a rare condition, an excess of magnesium in the blood , a condition known as hypermagnesemia, can cause problems in the functioning of the nervous system and muscles, especially the heart. Therefore the importance of treating it, being one of the answers if you have asked yourself what calcium chloride is for in the human body.
Excess magnesium prevents calcium from crossing the membrane of nerve cells and stimulating them to function, causing the muscles to be relaxed, resulting in a decrease in heart rate, low blood pressure, facial redness due to the relaxation of blood vessels, among others. By administering calcium chloride, thanks to its greater contribution in calcium, it achieves the balance between minerals and passes the magnesium blockage.
Cardiac resuscitation
Calcium chloride in the body also works to counteract cardiorespiratory arrest or after open heart surgery, especially if conventional treatment does not work, such as CPR, the use of epinephrine or calcium gluconate. It can also be used if you also have hypocalcemia or hyperkalemia.
This is due to the effects of calcium in the body, since it increases the speed of the nerve impulse that causes the heartbeat, increases the contraction force of the myocardium and stimulates ventricular pumping. Thanks to this, the heart’s pumping and blood flow can be restored to supply oxygen to the brain, which stops when cardiorespiratory arrest occurs.
Disadvantages of calcium chloride
Despite the benefits of calcium chloride in the human body, its use is restricted due to its strong effect , being the last choice if other drugs have not given results or if the condition is very serious and unstable. In addition, it is not recommended:
- In pregnant women
- In lactating women
- In children
- People with kidney failure.
Likewise, another drawback is its administration, which must be intravenous, giving it slowly and under medical monitoring of blood pressure, pulse and heart rate; otherwise, some side effects or complications could result from the accelerated increase in calcium, including:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Soft spot.
- Dilated blood vessels, resulting in increased blood flow and facial redness.
- Low blood pressure.
- Alterations in heart rhythm.
- Lethargy.
- Kidney damage
- Cardiorespiratory arrest.
- Coma.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to What is calcium chloride for in the human body , we recommend that you enter our category of Medication and medical tests .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.