High chloride levels in the blood cause dehydration, states Lab Tests Online. It may also be a sign of Cushing syndrome or kidney diseases. In addition, high chloride levels may result in excessive fatigue, muscle weaknesses, respiratory issues, high blood pressure and gastrointestinal symptoms, states Healthline.
Chloride is an electrolyte that aids in maintaining optimum fluid and acid/base balance in the body, states Healthline. The proper balance of these electrolytes is essential for normal functioning of the nerves, muscles and heart. It is also useful for normal fluid absorption as well as excretion.
Electrolyte imbalance due to high chloride level in the blood is referred to as hyperchloremia, according to Chemocare.com. The normal value for chloride is 97 to 107 milliEquivalents per liter.
Causes of hyperchloremia include high levels of blood sodium, kidney disorders or kidney failure, and diabetic coma or diabetes insipidus, reports Chemocare.com. Drugs such as estrogens, androgens, corticosteroids and certain diuretics may also increase chloride levels in blood. High levels of chloride in the body may also be attributed to medications such as those used to treat glaucoma, according to Healthline. Other causes of hyperchloremia include bromide poisoning; respiratory alkalosis, or low levels of carbon dioxide in the body; and metabolic or renal acidosis, which occurs when the body produces excess acid or the kidneys fail to eliminate acid from the body.
