What is one potential consequence of untreated metabolic acidosis?

In cases of untreated metabolic acidosis, one significant consequence is the development of cardiac arrhythmias. Metabolic acidosis leads to a decrease in blood pH, making the environment more acidic. This alteration in acidity can disrupt the normal electrical conduction pathways in the heart.

For instance, high levels of hydrogen ions in the blood can affect the function of cardiac muscle cells and can lead to changes in heart rhythm. The resultant acidosis may also alter the extracellular concentration of important ions such as potassium. When the pH drops, potassium can shift out of cells in exchange for hydrogen ions entering, leading to elevated potassium levels in the serum, which is a known trigger for arrhythmias.

Understanding the relationship between systemic acidosis and cardiac function is crucial in clinical settings, as monitoring patients for arrhythmic events in the context of metabolic acidosis can be a lifesaving intervention.