A sodium blood test, also known as a serum sodium test, is a regular procedure that lets your doctor determine how much salt is in your blood. Sodium is a vital element for your body, and is especially critical for nerve and muscle function! Sodium enters your bloodstream through food and drink, and your body maintains sodium balance via a variety of processes, and then it exits the bloodstream via urine, stool, and perspiration. Let’s see the exact functions of a sodium blood test and why the test results are critical for diagnosing health issues!
Sodium is an electrolyte found in all bodily fluids and that’s why it is essential for optimal physiological function, including neuron and muscle function. Your body works to keep your blood salt levels within a relatively tiny concentration range through multiple methods.
Generating hormones that can enhance (natriuretic peptides) or reduce (aldosterone) sodium excretion in urine is one of them. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, is produced to counteract water loss while controlling thirst is also executed to keep sodium levels to normal. Remember, a mere 1% rise in blood sodium concentration will make you thirsty and prompt you to drink water, bringing your sodium level back to normal.
These automatic controls manage the quantity of water and sodium in the body, as well as maintain blood pressure and other bodily functions. An abnormal blood sodium level is often caused by a problem with one of these systems! When the salt concentration in your blood fluctuates, so does your body's water content, and these alterations may be related to dehydration (insufficient fluid) or edema (excess fluid, typically resulting in leg swelling) as well as blood pressure fluctuations.
Certain symptoms may indicate that your sodium level is either too high or too low. The most common symptoms that your doctor may look for include confusion, forgetfulness, problem walking, nausea, tiredness, shortness of breath, headaches, swelling or fluid accumulation in specific areas of the body, and excessive thirst.
A sodium blood test allows your health care practitioner to determine the amount of sodium in your blood and this test is frequently part of a series of tests that detect many other compounds in your blood.
Sodium is essential for transmitting electrical messages between cells and regulating the quantity of fluid in your body, and as a result, your body needs it for your cells to function properly. Most meals include sodium, and the most common type of sodium is sodium chloride, which is found in table salt. A sodium blood test will determine your sodium level since too little or too much might create various health issues!
The typical sodium range normal values are between 135 - 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). Remember, the normal value ranges may vary somewhat among laboratories, so always consult your physician about the implications of your test findings, and do not try any self-medication.
If you have a sodium level of less than 135 mEq/L, it means you have lower than normal sodium levels in your body! This condition is called Hyponatremia, and the symptoms include:
Hyponatremia can harm cells because it causes them to bloat up with too much water which is especially hazardous for certain body areas such as the brain.
Hypernatremia refers to excessive sodium levels in the blood and is specified as sodium values over 145 mEq/L. The symptoms of hypernatremia are:
Sodium has an important part in your body because the body sodium level maintains appropriate blood pressure, promotes nerve and muscle function, and controls fluid balance!
Here are the common causes of abnormal sodium levels in the body:
Your doctor may advise you to temporarily discontinue specific medications, such as antibiotics, antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), diuretics, and certain high blood pressure medications, that might impact the test. Always keep in mind, never discontinue taking any medications without first consulting your doctor!
Your doctor can order a blood sodium test for several reasons, however, most of the time, it is part of a routine health examination. In certain cases, the test becomes necessary if you are taking drugs that impact salt levels in your blood! Maintaining optimal sodium levels in your body is not only beneficial but actually it is a must for your overall health.
If your doctor has ordered a sodium blood test, contact Pathkind Labs! With their modern laboratory devices and expert technicians, they produce precise test results in just a couple of days.
Discover precision diagnostics with Pathkind Labs, a trusted name in diagnostic services in India. Our NABL accredited labs, equipped with advanced technology, are staffed by a certified team of over 200+ senior pathologists and 2000+ technicians. From tailored health check-ups to specialized tests in Oncology, Neurology, Gynaecology, Nephrology, and more, we've got your health covered. Skip the hassle with online booking for tests or check-ups, available for both lab visits and at-home blood collection. For a seamless experience and early detection, choose Pathkind Labs in Gurugram. Book your appointment today and experience diagnostics made easy.
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