Types

• Sodium is an atom, or ion, that carries a single positive charge. About 40% of the body's sodium is contained in bone. Approximately 2-5% occurs within organs and cells and the remaining 55% is in blood plasma and other extracellular fluids.
• Sodium functions at the cell membrane level by creating an electrical potential between diff...

Description

• 136 - 145 mmol/L

When to get Tested

Elevated Level

Hypernatremia

• Prolonged hyperapnea
• Severe vomiting, or diarrhoea
• Diabetes insipidus or diabetic acidosis. 
• Increased renal sodium conservation in hyperaldosteronism. 
• Cushing's syndrome
• Inadequate water intake because of coma or hypothalamic disease
• Dehydration
• Excessive saline therapy

Decreased Level

Hyponatremia

• Low sodium intake.
• Sodium losses due to vomiting or diarrhea with adequate water and inadequate salt replacement.
• Diuretics abuse
• Salt-losing nephropathy
• Osmotic diuresis
• Metabolic acidosis
• Adrenocortical insufficiency
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• Cardiac failure
• Hepatic failure
• Hypothyroidism