Dr. Fett - Question on electrolytes.

[SarahsMom]

Hi Dr. Fett,

Hope you're doing well. I just got some results back from my OB/GYN - he ran a blood test to check my electrolytes (runs one about every month). Anyway, this time the test came back with a low carbon dioxide level. Potassium / Chloride / Sodium were all within the normal levels but my carbon dioxide was low. Is this common while pregnant? I'm 14 weeks pregnant.

Thought I'd ask you since the electrolyte panel are so closely related to the heart function.

Thanks,
Kari

PS - My Co2 level was 18
Potassium = 3.9
Chloride = 105
Sodium = 139

I take 100mg's of Toprol / day

[JAMESFETT]

Kari, I'm glad you are doing well, and that your pregnancy is progressing well. With the K, Na, Cl all perfect, I would not be at all concerned about the C02. I would tend to attribute that to a lab variation, especially when done in a multi-channel analyzer. Nothing in your clinical history suggests that you have any problem at all. I think the only thing to do is to see what the next regular test shows, but that you don't need to do anything different at this time. That's my take on it, and always, I advise to check any concerns with your own physician.

James