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Sodium (Na) in Blood
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A sodium test checks how much sodium (an Reference electrolyte Opens New Window and a mineral) is in the blood.
The normal values listed here—called a reference range—are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.
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| Normal: |
136–145 Reference milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) Opens New Window or 136–145 Reference millimoles per liter (mmol/L) Opens New Window |
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Many conditions can affect sodium levels. Your doctor will talk with you about any abnormal results that may be related to your symptoms and past health.
High values
- High sodium levels (hypernatremia) can be caused by a high-sodium diet or by not drinking enough water and being Reference dehydrated Opens New Window. Dehydration may also be caused by medicines (such as Reference diuretics Opens New Window), severe vomiting or diarrhea, Reference Cushing's syndrome Opens New Window, kidney disease or injury, Reference diabetic ketoacidosis Opens New Window, or a condition called diabetes insipidus that makes it hard to balance the water level in the body.
- High sodium levels can also be caused by high levels of the hormone aldosterone (hyperaldosteronism).
Low values
- Low sodium levels (hyponatremia) can be caused by a lot of sweating, burns, severe vomiting or diarrhea, drinking too much water (psychogenic polydipsia), or poor nutrition.
- Low sodium levels can also be caused by underactive Reference adrenal glands Opens New Window or Reference thyroid gland Opens New Window, Reference heart failure Opens New Window, kidney disease, Reference cirrhosis Opens New Window, Reference cystic fibrosis Opens New Window, or SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion).
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference September 4, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology |
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
