highsodium

Highsodium refers to states where sodium levels exceed normal ranges. In medicine, hypernatremia describes elevated serum sodium, typically above 145 mEq/L. High sodium intake refers to consuming more sodium than recommended, usually from processed foods. Both conditions can affect health and require evaluation.

Causes and risk factors: Hypernatremia arises from water loss (fever, sweating, diarrhea, insufficient intake) or excess sodium intake, and is more common in infants, older adults, and people with kidney or endocrine disorders. High dietary sodium often results from processed foods, restaurant meals, and salt use, especially with reduced water intake.

Symptoms and health impacts: Mild hypernatremia causes thirst and dry mouth; severe cases can cause confusion, weakness, seizures, coma, or death if untreated. Long-term high sodium intake is linked to higher blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and stroke.

Diagnosis: Hypernatremia is confirmed by blood tests showing elevated serum sodium, with assessment of fluid status, osmolality, and urine sodium and output to determine cause.

Treatment: Management depends on cause and urgency. Acute dehydration is treated with gradual rehydration using hypotonic fluids under medical supervision to avoid rapid sodium changes that can cause brain injury. Chronic high sodium intake is addressed with dietary modifications and medical guidance to protect heart and kidney health.

Prevention and public health: Reducing sodium in foods, reading labels, and maintaining adequate hydration can reduce hypernatremia risk and support cardiovascular health, with special attention to vulnerable groups such as the elderly and people with kidney disease.