Hypernatraemia (high sodium)

What is hypernatraemia?

Hypernatraemia is when an elevated level of sodium is present in the blood. This can lead to severe health issues, including cardiovascular and nervous system complications, if not treated promptly and effectively managed.

Sodium is essential for the body to function properly, it helps to regulate water balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions. Hypernatraemia occurs when the sodium concentration in the blood is more than 145 milliequivalents per litre (mEq/L).

The role of your kidneys in hypernatraemia

The kidneys play a vital role in regulating sodium and fluid levels within the body. They filter the blood, removing waste products and excess substances, including sodium, which is removed through urine.

Hypernatraemia symptoms

Physical symptoms hypernatraemiamay indicate an imbalance in sodium levels.

Hypernatraemia symptoms can range from mild to severe and can affect multiple body systems. They include:

Extreme thirst
Fatigue
Confusion
Muscle cramps or twitching
Nausea

Recognising hypernatraemia symptoms early and seeking medical attention is crucial to prevent severe complications.

What causes hypernatraemia?

Several factors can lead to the development of hypernatraemia:

Dehydration: insufficient water intake or excessive water loss through sweating, vomiting, or diarrhoea can concentrate sodium in the blood.
Excessive sodium intake: consuming large amounts of sodium through diet or certain medications can contribute to hypernatraemia.
Hormonal imbalances: disorders such as diabetes insipidus, which affect the body’s ability to retain water, can lead to elevated sodium levels.

Hypernatraemia diagnosis

Diagnosing hypernatraemia can involve several tests from your health care provider:

Medical history and physical examination: A healthcare provider will review the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and perform a physical exam to identify potential causes and signs of hypernatraemia.
Blood tests: Measuring the sodium concentration in the blood confirms hypernatraemia. Additional tests may evaluate kidney function and other electrolyte levels.
Urine tests: Analysing urine can provide insights into the kidneys’ ability to excrete sodium and help identify the cause of the imbalance.

Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, the method used for the test, and other things. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you.

Hypernatraemia treatment

Treating hypernatraemia focuses on addressing the underlying cause and restoring normal sodium levels:

Rehydration: administering fluids, either orally or intravenously, helps correct dehydration and dilute sodium levels. Careful monitoring is required.
Medications: In cases involving hormonal imbalances or other underlying conditions, medications may be prescribed to correct these issues.
Monitoring: Monitoring of blood sodium levels and kidney function may be needed to manage and prevent recurrence.

It is important to follow the advice from your healthcare provider and follow up as advised.

Reviewed December 2024