Consequences of metabolic alkalosis

Consequences of metabolic alkalosis:

Respiratory consequences:

  • Decreased respiratory drive stimulus
    • Thus, pulmonary atelectasis
  • Increased V/Q mismatch due to impared hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction
  • Left shift of the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve

Cardiovascular consequences:

  • Decreased cardiac output due to decreased contractility
  • Arrhythmias

Neurological consequences

  • Neuromuscular overexcitability
  • Decreased cerebral blood flow due to cerebral vasoconstriction
  • Seizures

Electrolyte changes

  • Hypocalcemia
  • Hypokalemia

References

Galla, John H. "Metabolic alkalosis." Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 11.2 (2000): 369-375.