pH of Blood – Normal pH of Blood and Reasons for High pH of Blood

The pH of blood refers to the acidity or the alkalinity of the blood. It is certainly one of many factors that must be in the right place for a healthy body. The pH of blood ranges from 7.35 to 7.45. Moreover, there are various factors which affect the pH of blood. Let us learn more about the pH of blood.

pH and pH Scale

The pH stands for “potential hydrogen” in any solution. pH scale measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in a certain solution. Consequently, a number is assigned to it.

The higher the concentration of hydrogen ions, the lower would be the pH. Similarly, a lower concentration of hydrogen ions would certainly mean a higher pH.

The measurement of pH occurs on a scale from 0 to 14. Here 7 is an indication of a neutral pH. Moreover, the pH under 7 is considered to be acidic. Similarly, pH above 7 is basic or alkaline.

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Normal pH of Human Blood

Maintaining a normal pH of blood is very essential for a healthy body. Furthermore, the normal blood pH level in humans is slightly above neutral. In other words, the normal human blood pH level is slightly alkaline. According to medical experts, the normal pH of human blood is 7.35-7.45.

Thus, anything above or below 7.35-7.45 would be considered abnormal. Furthermore, an abnormal blood pH level could have detrimental effects on the human body.

pH Value of Things in Daily Life

Item	pH value
Water	7
Saliva	6.2 to 7.6
Milk	6.5 to 6.7
Blood	7.35 to 7.45
Urine	6 to 7

Reasons for a High pH of Blood

Alkalosis refers to a condition in which blood pH level goes above normal. In fact, high pH of blood can occur for many reasons. These include:

• Respiratory alkalosis
• Hypokalemic alkalosis
• Metabolic alkalosis
• Hypochloremic alkalosis

Respiratory alkalosis – This results when the carbon dioxide (an acid) levels become too low in the body. This may well be due to lung disease, liver disease, or altitude sickness. The lack of this particular acid decreases the number of hydrogen molecules. Consequently, this leads to a high pH.

Hypokalemic alkalosis – This results when there is an abnormality in the functioning of kidneys. Kidneys behave abnormally when there is a potassium deficiency in the body. Consequently, kidneys respond in a way which decreases the amount of hydrogen in the blood. Hence, a high blood pH is a result.

Metabolic alkalosis – This is also the result of abnormal kidney functioning. This is probably the result of kidney disease. Furthermore, metabolic alkalosis results in too much bicarbonate in the blood. Also, bicarbonate is the base of the blood. Ultimately, this causes the pH to rise to significantly high abnormal levels.

Hypochloremic alkalosis – This occurs when an individual has a deficiency of chloride in the body. This mostly occurs as a result of various digestive issues.

Solved Question For You

Q Which of the following is not a reason for a high pH of blood?

A. Hypokalemic alkalosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Respiratory alkalosis
D. Muscular alkalosis

A The correct answer is option D, muscular alkalosis. This is because there is no such thing as muscular alkalosis. Furthermore, the other three options are certainly reasons for a high pH of blood.