Electrolytes
Carbon Dioxide
What This Marker Tells Us
Reflects bicarbonate levels, your blood's primary buffering system maintaining pH balance critical for enzyme function and cellular metabolism.
Why It Matters
Bicarbonate buffers acids produced by metabolism, preventing dangerous pH swings. CO2 levels reveal acid-base disorders from kidney disease, respiratory problems, metabolic dysfunction, or electrolyte imbalances. Both acidosis and alkalosis disrupt enzyme function, oxygen delivery, and cellular processes. Maintaining acid-base balance optimizes every physiological system.
How to Interpret Your Trends
Low CO2 (below 23 mEq/L) indicates metabolic acidosis from kidney disease, diabetic ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, or diarrhea, or respiratory alkalosis from hyperventilation. Typical CO2 (23-29 mEq/L) reflects normal acid-base homeostasis. High CO2 (above 29 mEq/L) suggests metabolic alkalosis from vomiting, diuretics, or antacid overuse, or respiratory acidosis from lung disease. Context determines urgency.
What Influences This Marker
Kidney function regulates bicarbonate reabsorption and excretion. Lung function controls CO2 elimination through breathing. Vomiting, diarrhea, and diuretics affect levels. Diabetes, kidney disease, lung disease, and certain medications alter CO2. Adequate hydration, treating underlying conditions, and proper medication management maintain balance.
How Your Team Uses It
Your coach uses CO2 to assess acid-base status and identify metabolic or respiratory disorders. Abnormal values prompt investigation of kidney function, respiratory health, and electrolyte balance. It helps distinguish between metabolic and respiratory causes of acid-base disturbances.
Related Signals We Also Review
Anion gap, chloride, sodium, potassium, kidney function, respiratory rate, and blood pH complete the acid-base assessment.