Question for the Docs on CO2 retention

[rcohn]

I’ve notice over several years when I see the blood work results after my annual physical that I am consistently high on the carbon dioxide measurement, usually around 32 to 33 mmol/L with the normal range given as 22 to 29. Out of curiosity, how does this measurement relate to CO2 retention?

I’m a nonsmoker, I take 25 mg of IC Hydrochlorothiazide daily, and do some freediving but I think much too little to make dramatic physiological changes.

For a reference on CO2 retention see: http://www.njscuba.com/njscuba/misc_co2_retention.html

Ralph

 

[pismodiver]

What you are seeing is actually your serum bicarbonate, or HCO3-. This elevation indicates that you have a (mild) metabolic alkalosis. Your anti-hypertensive, hydrochlorothiazide is responsible for this. (You might note that your potassium and chloride are on the low end of normal.)

This is not a problem because your resiratory system can compensate for the alkalosis with a corresponding acidosis. If you had an arterial blood gas done, it would show a barely elevated pH (nml=7.4) and a pCO2 that is slightly greater than normal (nml ~ 40). This works to bring your pH back towards normal.

Nothing to worry about. Happy Diving.

 

[cwilson]

Like he said! If you feel fine and have no other health problems, hctz is the cause and there are no further implications for your diving. You can also ask the health care provider who ran the test about it for more information.

 

[DocVikingo]

Like he said!

Actually, CW, the very knowledgeable pismodiver is a woman. You may call her Dr. Mary.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[cwilson]

Actually, CW, the very knowledgeable pismodiver is a woman. You may call her Dr. Mary.

Regards,

DocVikingo

lol, I stand corrected. Apologies maam.