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Electrolytes

Elctrolytes – Sodium

(scroll down for information on Potassium)

The normal range for blood sodium levels is 135 to 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L).

Abnormal sodium levels can be due to many different conditions.

Higher than normal sodium level is called hypernatremia. It may be due to:

  • Adrenal gland problems such as Cushing syndrome or hyperaldosteronism
  • Diabetes insipidus (type of diabetes in which kidneys are not able to conserve water)
  • Increased fluid loss due to excessive sweating, diarrhea, use of diuretics, or burns
  • Too much salt or sodium bicarbonate in the diet
  • Use of certain medicines, including birth control pills, corticosteroids, laxatives, lithium, and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen

Lower than normal sodium level is called hyponatremia. It may be due to:

  • Adrenal glands not making enough of their hormones (Addison disease)
  • Dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea
  • Buildup in urine of waste product from fat breakdown (ketonuria)
  • Increase in total body water seen in those with heart failure, certain kidney diseases, or cirrhosis of the liver
  • Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (antidiuretic hormone is released from an abnormal place in the body)
  • Too much of the hormone vasopressin
  • Use of medicines such as diuretics (water pills), morphine, and SSRI antidepressant

Electrolytes – Potassium

The normal range is 3.7 to 5.2 mEq/L.

Note: mEq/L = milliequivalent per liter

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.

 High levels of potassium (hyperkalemia) may be due to:

  • Addison’s disease (rare)
  • Blood transfusion
  • Certain medications
  • Crushed tissue injury
  • Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis
  • Hypoaldosteronism (very rare)
  • Kidney failure
  • Metabolic or respiratory acidosis
  • Red blood cell destruction
  • Too much potassium in your diet

Low levels of potassium (hypokalemia) may be due to:

  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Cushing syndrome (rare)
  • Diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, and indapamide
  • Hyperaldosteronism
  • Hypokalemic periodic paralysis
  • Not enough potassium in the diet
  • Renal artery stenosis
  • Renal tubular acidosis (rare)
  • Vomiting

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