Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a procedure, done under general anesthesia, in which small electric currents are passed through the brain, intentionally triggering a brief seizure. ECT seems to cause changes in brain chemistry that can quickly reverse symptoms of certain mental illnesses.
In binging and purging eating disorders such as Bulimia, an electrolyte imbalance may result from both excessive vomiting and use of saline or sodium phosphate enemas. When persons vomit regularly, as in Bulimia, stomach acid containing hydrogen ions and chloride ions are lost.
According to the American Heart Association, potassium imbalances are the most common electrolyte-associated cardiac arrhythmias. Potassium plays a role in both nerve conduction and the heartâs ability to send an electrical impulse. Low potassium levels can cause relatively stable arrhythmias, while high potassium levels can quickly lead to lethal arrhythmias. Sodium, magnesium and calcium imbalances also place the heart at risk for arrhythmias.