Most Americans eat more sodium than their bodies require. Too much sodium can worsen high blood pressure and heart failure. For these reasons, doctors advise many Americans to reduce the amount of sodium they eat. But some people have low blood sodium levels, even though they may have plenty of sodium in their bodies.
Hyponatremia explained
The technical word for having a blood sodium level that’s lower than normal is “hyponatremia.”
“Hyponatremia is very common and often occurs alongside other medical problems,” said Dr. Deepa Soodi, cardiovascular disease fellow at Marshfield Clinic Health System. “Among hospitalized patients, 15-20% have low blood sodium levels.”
The main issue with hyponatremia is someone has too much water in the body, which dilutes sodium levels. One condition that can cause this is heart failure. That means the heart cannot pump efficiently enough to supply your body with the blood it needs. Liver and kidney disease are also common causes.
“Less frequently, hyponatremia can be caused by drinking too much alcohol, dehydration from diarrhea or the use of certain medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), sometimes used to treat depression or epilepsy,” Dr. Soodi said.
Low sodium symptoms
In many cases, you may not experience any symptoms. However, the most common symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Feeling restless or irritable
- Muscle weakness, spasms or cramps
- Seizures or passing out
“These are symptoms for a variety of conditions, but it is important to get checked out because hyponatremia can cause more serious problems like brain swelling or nerve damage,” said Dr. Soodi.
Hyponatremia is typically diagnosed with blood work.
If treatment is needed
Talk to you primary care provider or go to the emergency department if you have these symptoms, especially if you have a history of low salt levels. Except in severe cases, hyponatremia can be treated without being admitted to the hospital.
Treatment will depend on what is causing your low blood sodium levels. Treatment might include limiting fluids or adjusting medications. Do not stop any medicines without speaking to a doctor. If left untreated, complications can include mental status changes, seizures, coma or even death.
“Fortunately, there are some tips to prevent hyponatremia,” said Dr. Soodi. “Like many disease prevention methods, they include limiting alcohol, managing chronic medical conditions and eating a balanced diet.”
For low blood sodium concerns, talk to a Marshfield Clinic Health System provider.
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My blood sodium level is 29 is this concerning?
Hello Susan,
Thank you for reaching out. We recommend discussing this directly with your provider. Due to their knowledge of your medical history and past conditions, they can best advise you.
Thank you,
Jake
Low sodium can give headaches and lightheadedness. Nephrologist suggested urea powder for my husband for low sodium because he can't take sodium, has heart failure. He's taking it for a year, no side effects.
It’s funny all you say is go seek medical help. That you cannot give advice. so, why even have people ask questions?
My thoughts exactly!! I came here because I was just diagnosed in the hospital and just released today. I'm going to follow up with my doc so yeah I'll be asking her 9 dozen questions on the first visit alone, but if I wasn't getting answers from her, where would I go, right? Frustrating.
4 years ago I had an excruciating headache. I went to the emergency room, where they determined that my sodium level was below the normal range.
They put me on a drip, and I was released.
I went to a neurologist, who found nothing, but gave me a prescription of rhizatryptan, in case of further headaches.
Since then, I started having headaches, migraine, for a 5 night period, not day, which I would treat with the rhizatryptan, but these headaches would recur, as I said, for many days.
Then, I would be okay for a few weeks, and it would happen again, for even 7 or 8 days. This has continued.
Could this be a continuation of the sodium issue?
I have normal blood pressure, 90-110 range on top- 60 on bottom.
Normal cholesterol-
Mediterranean diet-
I am 72, 5'2", 100 lbs, to give you an idea of my vitals.
Hello Mariam,
Thank you for reaching out. Unfortunately, we are limited in the medical advice we can provide on this platform. We recommend discussing these symptoms with your neurologist.
Thanks,
Jake
Is it true that a layer of salt left on the body after sweating could be an indicator of low sodium? If so, what should be done to help that problem?
Hi Nicole,
We recommend talking to your medical provider if you are experiencing this and looking for solutions. For more on the salt and sweat, you can click here: https://www.healthline.com/health/why-is-sweat-salty
Thanks,
Jake
What causes cramps in the hands and fingers?
Hi Velma,
If you are experiencing cramping in your hands and fingers, we recommend reaching out to your provider about the symptoms you are experiencing. Your doctor is most aware of your medical history and can best advise you. If you are a Marshfield Clinic patient, you can message your provider through My Marshfield Clinic at the following link: https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/mymarshfieldclinic
Thank you,
Kayla
My 14yo son was advised to take salt tablets and water, after a rapid growth rate. The effect on his complexion was remarkable. From sallow and pale to a healthy pink colour. This was after day or so. Could you give the family any idea of why this would be so?
Hello Anne,
Thanks for reaching out. We contacted Dr. Anderson – the expert featured in this blog post and here is what he had to say:
"There is not enough information to determine what was wrong or what made it better.
However, it is possible that he was essentially dehydrated, was somewhat low in both water and salt, and that his physicians treatment was successful in correcting this, making him look better due to replacement of blood volume, skin turgor etc. It is possible his body sodium and water were low for his needs. However, direct measurement of body salt is not a routine examination, and the serum sodium does not reflect whole body sodium necessarily.
To determine more precisely what the problem was and how the patient responded, one would need to interview the patient, examine the patient, obtain test results and make a determination."
If you are within the Marshfield Clinic area and would like to learn more about our heart care team, you can click here: https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/specialties/heart-care. This webpage also includes contact information and links to our specialists.
Thanks and I hope that helps,
Jake
My husbands soduim is 114. He is on kidney dialysis they say he is in danger can he get any lower
Sherri – We cannot provide individualized medical advice on our blog. It's important you ask your husband's care team any questions you have regarding his health – they are the most familiar with his current conditions and medical history. -Kirstie