Electrolytes
Chloride
What This Marker Tells Us
Chloride works with sodium to maintain fluid balance, blood pressure, and acid-base homeostasis while enabling digestion through stomach acid production.
Why It Matters
Chloride abnormalities indicate acid-base disorders, dehydration, kidney disease, or respiratory issues. Along with sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate, chloride maintains electrical neutrality in blood. Imbalances affect fluid distribution between cells and blood, pH balance, and kidney function. While less immediately dangerous than sodium or potassium, chloride abnormalities signal important underlying problems requiring investigation.
How to Interpret Your Trends
Low chloride (below 96 mEq/L) suggests metabolic alkalosis from vomiting, excessive antacid use, or diuretics. Typical chloride (96-106 mEq/L) indicates normal acid-base balance and fluid status. High chloride (above 106 mEq/L) indicates metabolic acidosis, dehydration, kidney disease, or respiratory alkalosis. Context from other electrolytes and acid-base markers guides interpretation.
What Influences This Marker
Dietary sodium intake affects chloride proportionally. Vomiting and nasogastric suction lower chloride. Kidney disease, certain medications, and respiratory disorders affect regulation. Dehydration concentrates chloride. Adequate hydration, balanced electrolyte intake, and treating underlying acid-base disorders maintain normal levels.
How Your Team Uses It
Your coach uses chloride alongside other electrolytes to assess acid-base balance and hydration status. Abnormal values prompt investigation of kidney function, respiratory health, and medication effects. It helps identify metabolic alkalosis from overuse of antacids or diuretics.
Related Signals We Also Review
Sodium, potassium, carbon dioxide (bicarbonate), anion gap, kidney function, and blood pH complete the electrolyte and acid-base assessment.