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What is Sodium (Na) in Blood Test? What is High and Low Sodium Level? Causes & Treatment?

Updated: Jun 16, 2024

  • Sodium in a blood test is a test that measures the amount of sodium in your blood.

  • Sodium is an important mineral that is vital for the body. Most of the sodium needed is obtained from foods. Excess sodium is filtered through the kidneys and excreted through urine.

  • Sodium is generally responsible for maintaining fluid balance in the body, transmitting nerve impulses to the brain, contracting muscles and regulating blood pressure.

  • There is plenty of sodium in salt. Fresh foods such as meat, fish, eggs and milk contain small amounts of natural sodium. All fruits and vegetables are low in natural sodium but rich in potassium, an element that can offset the negative effects of sodium. High and low sodium levels can be dangerous for health.

  • Sodium test is often used to diagnose and monitor kidney damage, hypertension, diabetes, and dehydration. Sodium testing is also used to monitor conditions that affect fluid, electrolyte and acid balance in the body.

Sodium in a blood test is a test that measures the amount of sodium in your blood. Sodium is an important mineral that is vital for the body. Most of the sodium needed is obtained from foods. Excess sodium is filtered through the kidneys and excreted through urine. Sodium is generally responsible for maintaining fluid balance in the body, transmitting nerve impulses to the brain, contracting muscles and regulating blood pressure. There is plenty of sodium in salt. Fresh foods such as meat, fish, eggs and milk contain small amounts of natural sodium. All fruits and vegetables are low in natural sodium but rich in potassium, an element that can offset the negative effects of sodium. High and low sodium levels can be dangerous for health. Sodium test is often used to diagnose and monitor kidney damage, hypertension, diabetes, and dehydration. Sodium testing is also used to monitor conditions that affect fluid, electrolyte and acid balance in the body.Normal sodium value is between 135-145 mmol/L (mEq/L). The sodium requirement of an adult is at least 500 mg per day.A high sodium value means that too much sodium is consumed and the kidneys cannot fully filter the excess. If the sodium value is high, water retention and blood pressure increase in the body, which can lead to high blood pressure and osteoporosis. High sodium in the blood is called hypernatremia. A sodium level below 125 mmol/L (mEq/L) can cause serious health problems. Low sodium level in the blood is called hyponatremia.
What is Sodium (Na) in Blood Test? What is High and Low Sodium Level? Causes & Treatment?

What is A Normal Sodium Level in Blood Test ?

  • Normal sodium value is between 135-145 mmol/L (mEq/L).

  • The sodium requirement of an adult is at least 500 mg per day.

  • Sodium is supplied to the body mostly through food through table salt (sodium chloride).


What is High Sodium Level in Blood Test?

  • High sodium is a value above 145 mmol/L (mEq/L) in a blood test.

  • A high sodium value means that too much sodium is consumed and the kidneys cannot fully filter the excess.

  • If the sodium value is high, water retention and blood pressure increase in the body, which can lead to high blood pressure and osteoporosis.

  • High sodium in the blood is called hypernatremia.


What Causes High Sodium Level in Blood Test?

  • Excessive sodium consumption

  • Not drinking enough fluids

  • Dehydration, which may be caused by diarrhea or some diuretic medications

  • Disorder in the adrenal glands

  • Kidney diseases

  • Rarely diabetes


High Sodium Symptoms

  • Thirst

  • Urinating (peeing) very little

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  • Confusion

  • Muscle twitching

  • Seizures

  • Headache

  • Nausea

How to Treat High Sodium Level?

Treatment for high sodium depends on the underlying cause. Removing salt from the diet can normalize sodium levels. If there is a lack of fluid in the body, fluid intake can be increased. If there is a kidney or hormonal disorder, treatment should be applied accordingly. All processes should continue under the supervision of a doctor.


What is Low Sodium Level in Blood Test?

  • In a blood test, low sodium is a value below 135 mmol/L (mEq/L).

  • A sodium level below 125 mmol/L (mEq/L) can cause serious health problems.

  • Low sodium level in the blood is called hyponatremia.

What Causes Low Sodium Level in Blood Test?

  • Excessive Fluid Consumption: Drinking excessive amounts of water can dilute sodium and cause more excretion from the body. This can cause sodium to drop to lower than normal levels.

  • Gastrointestinal Problems: Vomiting, diarrhea, or gastrointestinal problems can cause loss of sodium from the body. This can lead to low sodium, especially if it continues for a long time.

  • Kidney Problems: Kidneys play an important role in regulating sodium balance in the body. In case of kidney problems, failure to excrete sodium regularly may cause low sodium.

  • Chronic Diseases: Some chronic diseases, especially conditions such as liver cirrhosis or heart failure, can lead to fluid accumulation in the body and thus low sodium.

  • Hormonal Imbalances: Abnormalities in hormones, especially changes in antidiuretic hormone (ADH) levels, can affect water balance in the body and cause low sodium.

  • Medications: Some medications, especially medications such as diuretics, antidepressants, or stomach acid reducers, can increase the excretion of sodium from the body, resulting in low sodium levels.


Low Sodium Symptoms

  • Weakness

  • Fatigue

  • Confusion

  • Muscle twitching

  • Seizures

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting


How to Treat Low Sodium Level?

Treatment for low sodium depends on the underlying causes. By treating the underlying causes and making dietary adjustments, fluid and sodium levels in the body are tried to be balanced. These processes should be under the supervision of a doctor.

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