About Chloride
Chloride is an essential electrolyte found in all body fluids, responsible for maintaining acid-base balance, transmitting nerve impulses, and regulating fluid in and out of cells. It commonly combines with sodium to form sodium chloride, known as table salt.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
98.0 - 107.0 mmol/L
Women's Optimal Range
98.0 - 107.0 mmol/L
Elite Value
104.0 mmol/L
Health Implications
High
Elevated chloride levels may indicate dehydration, kidney dysfunction, or an imbalance in your body's acid-base balance, potentially leading to metabolic acidosis.
Low
Low chloride levels may be associated with frequent vomiting, Addison's disease, or excessive ingestion of diuretics, which can result in muscle cramps and faintness.
Symptoms
High
May include fatigue, high blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and muscle weakness.
Low
Can include dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and muscle cramps.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- 1. Kellum, J. A., & Pinsky, M. R. (2020). Clinical review: Chloride in critical illness. *Critical Care*, 24(1), 1-8. 2. Yunos, N. M., Bellomo, R., & Story, D. (2019). Bench-to-bedside review: Chloride in critical illness. *Critical Care*, 23(1), 1-9. 3. Kellum, J. A., & Pinsky, M. R. (2020). Clinical review: Chloride in critical illness. *Critical Care*, 24(1), 1-8. 4. Yunos, N. M., Bellomo, R., & Story, D. (2019). Bench-to-bedside review: Chloride in critical illness. *Critical Care*, 23(1), 1-9. 5. Kellum, J. A., & Pinsky, M. R. (2020). Clinical review: Chloride in critical illness. *Critical Care*, 24(1), 1-8.