Hyponatremia: Why Low Sodium Levels Are Dangerous

November 14, 2024

Sodium is an essential electrolyte that helps regulate muscle function, blood pressure and water balance in the body. Most people know that too much salt can be bad for your health. However, too little sodium in the blood can also be a serious health threat, especially in older people. This condition is called hyponatremia.

“A diagnosis of hyponatremia might be considered if a person has symptoms such as nausea, headache, muscle spasms, confusion or restlessness," says University Hospitals internal medicine specialist, Dana Habash-Bseiso, MD. “If blood tests reveal low blood sodium levels and other potential causes are ruled out, immediate treatment is required to avoid serious health consequences.”

What Causes Hyponatremia?

The most common cause of hyponatremia is drinking too much water in a short period of time, which dilutes sodium levels in the blood. It’s often seen in endurance athletes who hydrate frequently and lose sodium through their sweat.

Other common causes include:

Medications such as diuretics, antidepressants and pain medicines
Medical conditions like heart failure, kidney or liver disease and diabetes
Chronic diarrhea or vomiting
Hormone imbalances
Excessive alcohol consumption

Common Symptoms

Patients with moderate to severe symptoms of hyponatremia require immediate treatment in an emergency room. Common symptoms may include:

Nausea and vomiting
Headache
Confusion
Loss of balance and coordination
Muscle weakness, spasms or cramps

“Permanent brain damage can occur if hyponatremia is not corrected by medical providers,” says Dr. Habash-Bseiso. Sodium levels must be increased gradually under close medical supervision to avoid serious complications. If sodium levels rise too quickly, it can dehydrate and damage nerve cells, particularly those in the brain.

“Once the patient has been treated in the ER, they will often require brief hospitalization to ensure their sodium levels have stabilized and their symptoms have resolved,” says Dr. Habash-Bseiso. People who are at higher risk for hyponatremia, may be referred to a kidney specialist, endocrinologist or a neurologist for ongoing care.

Tips to Maintain Healthy Sodium Levels

Drink water throughout the day when thirsty or with meals. Avoid consuming large amounts of water in a short period of time.

Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Most people can get enough sodium naturally from dairy products, unprocessed meat, seafood and fresh or frozen vegetables and fruit. Check labels on frozen produce to ensure there is no added salt.

Avoid the salt-shaker and processed foods and snacks that are high in sodium.

Avoid or limit alcohol consumption.

See your primary care doctor or specialist regularly to monitor any medical conditions and/or medications that can affect sodium levels.