A sodium test measures the amount of sodium in your blood. It’s most commonly included in a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) or Electrolyte Panel, which are routine blood tests used to assess your overall health and detect imbalances in fluid and electrolytes.
Sodium is a vital electrolyte that helps regulate:
Fluid balance
Nerve and muscle function
Blood pressure
Your body maintains sodium levels within a tight range through the kidneys and hormones like aldosterone and antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Monitoring sodium is essential because both too much and too little can lead to serious health issues.
A sodium test may be ordered:
As part of a routine health check (e.g., BMP or electrolyte panel)
If you have symptoms of electrolyte imbalance, such as confusion, weakness, or fatigue
If you're experiencing dehydration or fluid retention (edema)
To monitor chronic or acute illnesses involving the brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, thyroid, or adrenal glands
If you're taking medications that affect sodium levels, such as diuretics
After surgery, serious illness, or receiving intravenous (IV) fluids
24-hour urine sodium test: Helps assess how much sodium is being excreted, especially useful when blood sodium levels are abnormal.
Electrolyte panel: Includes sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate.
Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP): Includes sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, glucose, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and bicarbonate.
May be caused by:
Drinking too much water
Kidney disorders
Heart, liver, or hormonal problems
Certain medications
May result from:
Dehydration
Excess fluid loss (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea, sweating)
Not drinking enough water
Headache or confusion
Fatigue or muscle cramps
Seizures (in severe cases)
Coma (in extreme cases)
The body controls sodium balance through:
Hormones: Such as aldosterone (retains sodium) and natriuretic peptides (eliminate sodium)
Thirst mechanism: Even a 1% increase in sodium can trigger thirst to restore balance
Kidney function: Filters and excretes excess sodium through urine
Sodium comes primarily from your diet, especially from table salt (sodium chloride) and processed foods. The kidneys help eliminate any excess.
Electrolytes are charged minerals found in blood and body fluids. They help:
Maintain fluid balance
Support muscle contractions
Transmit nerve signals
Main electrolytes include:
Sodium
Potassium
Chloride
Bicarbonate (CO2)
135 – 145 mEq/L (milliequivalents per liter)
Note: Reference ranges may vary slightly depending on the laboratory.
Sodium - labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/sodium/tab/test/
Lewis, J. L. (n.d.). Hypernatremia (High level of sodium in the blood)
merckmanuals.com/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/electrolyte-balance/hypernatremia-high-level-of-sodium-in-the-blood
Takahashi, P. (2014, July 8). Why is low blood sodium a health concern for older adults? How is it treated? Retrieved from
mayoclinic.com/health/low-blood-sodium/AN00621
References:
Al-Awqati Q. Disorders of sodium and water. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 108.
Oh MS, Briefel G, Pincus MR. Evaluation of renal function, water, electrolytes, and acid-base balance. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 15
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Elevated Sodium levels:
Hypernatremia means high levels of sodium in the blood. It’s defined as levels that exceed 145 mEq/L.
Symptoms of hypernatremia include:
Hypernatremia is most often a problem in older adults, infants, and people who are bedridden.
Causes of hypernatremia include:
Certain medications can also potentially cause hypernatremia. These include:
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Understanding Hyponatremia: Low Sodium Levels
Hyponatremia is a medical condition defined by abnormally low sodium levels in the blood, specifically when sodium concentration falls below 135 mEq/L. This imbalance occurs when there's too much water relative to sodium in the body.
Symptoms
Mild to Moderate Symptoms:
Severe Symptoms:
Cellular Impact
Hyponatremia can cause significant cellular damage by forcing cells to swell with excess water. This is particularly dangerous in critical areas like the brain, where swelling can lead to serious neurological complications.
Causes and Risk Factors
Medical Conditions:
Medication-Related Causes:
External Factors
Who is Most at Risk?
Potential Complications
Prevention and Management
When to Seek Medical Help?
Consult a healthcare professional if you experience:
Note: This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
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