Consequences of Acid

Consequences of Acidosis

Generally leads to depression of organ function.

1. Nervous system-specially vulnerable; decreases CNS activity, decreases LOC-from lethargy to coma.


2. Heart-less effective pump and problems with inherent rhythmicity: Bradycardia, Ectopic beats, lethal dysrythmias.


3. Blood vessels-relax and massively dilate with consequent hypotension.


4. Respiratory system-increase in rate and depth in response to acidosis, increased demand and work with consequent decrease in rate and depth, causing respiratory acidosis and respiratory failure.

Consequences of Alkalosis

Generally that of neuromuscular excitability

1. Peripheral nerves-usually affected before CNS, muscle twitching and spasm (Tetany)


2. Respiratory-muscle involvement leads to hypoventilation


3. Cardiac-involvement may lead to severe dysrythmias.


4. CNS-manifested by convulsions and seizures.