If you need to know which are the sodium reference ranges or you require more information about the role of sodium in the blood, you can visit normal sodium level in the blood
Sodium levels in the blood are usually given in mEq/L but sometimes you can see these values in mmol/l following the International System of Units (SI). Numeric values are similar in mmol/L or in mEq/L
If your blood sodium levels in the blood are low (hyponatremia) it can be due to a low sodium diet, but it is not common unless you are severely malnourished.
The main reason of low sodium levels in the blood is a consequence of an excessive urine sodium excretion or fluid retention by:
Hyponatremia appears also with heart, and liver problems. Late-stage congestive heart failure or liver diseases can cause renal retention of sodium and water. In this case it is possible the development of hyponatremia.
Hyponatremia or low sodium levels in the blood mean:
Your sodium level in the blood is a bit low but it is not usually a cause for concern if you have not experienced any symptom.
Take a new blood test in a few months and most probably, your sodium level in the blood will be optimal.
Moderate hyponatremia requires surveillance and monitoring.
If you have high blood pressure and you take medication to prevent it, a visit to your doctor is recommended. A visit is also advisable in case you are suffering from fatigue or headache.
Marked hyponatremia is a matter of concern and it is necessary to find out the underlying cause.
It is common to have symptoms like dizziness, forgetfulness, gait disturbance, lethargy, headache or nausea.
You must visit your doctor because it can be due to a kidney disorder. Probably, your doctor will advise you to perform some diagnostic test.
The consequences of severe hyponatremia may be dangerous, including irreversible damage in the brain.
You need to look for urgent medical attention.
You can experience seizures, vomiting, severe confusion and ultimately coma.
There are some circumstances or drugs than can reduce your sodium blood levels:
Lower than normal levels of sodium in the blood can be due to:
If your sodium blood level is a bit low, the following tips can help you:
If your blood sodium level is very low and the medical staff thinks it appropriate you may need intravenous (IV) sodium treatment to get your sodium levels back.
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The following values are considered to be below the normal range:
IMPORTANT: These levels are expressed in mEq/L (mmol/L). They are an example of a healthy man of about 45 years of age with no known disease, not taking any medication and with an appropriate intake of sodium in the diet. The ranges can be different depending on the laboratory or on your personal circumstances.
Sodium | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild hyponatremia | |||||||
| 134 mEq/l | 133 mEq/l | 132 mEq/l | 131 mEq/l | 130 mEq/l | |||
| Moderate hyponatremia | |||||||
| 129 mEq/l | 128 mEq/l | 127 mEq/l | 126 mEq/l | 125 mEq/l | |||
| Marked hyponatremia | |||||||
| 124 mEq/l | 123 mEq/l | 122 mEq/l | 121 mEq/l | 120 mEq/l | |||
| Severe hyponatremia | |||||||
| 119 mEq/l | 118 mEq/l | 117 mEq/l | 116 mEq/l | 115 mEq/l | 114 mEq/l | 113 mEq/l | 112 mEq/l |
| 111 mEq/l | 110 mEq/l | 109 mEq/l | 108 mEq/l | 107 mEq/l | 106 mEq/l | 105 mEq/l | 104 mEq/l |
| 103 mEq/l | 102 mEq/l | 101 mEq/l | 100 mEq/l | ||||
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