Sodium and potassium are electrolytes, or electrically charged minerals, found in blood, according to LabTestsOnline.org. Electrolytes can change when the level of water in the body changes. Sodium and potassium levels may be tested individually or as part of an electrolyte panel, which would also include chloride and bicarbonate. The test is performed by drawing blood from the patient, usually from the inside of the elbow. Normal potassium levels are 3.6 to 4.8 mEq/L, according to MayoClinic.com. The University of Maryland Medical Center cites that blood sodium levels should be 135 to 145 mEq/L.
Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia is a medical condition where the potassium level in the blood is too low. This condition is often caused by the use of diuretics, or medicines that reduce excess fluid in the body. A prolonged spell of vomiting or diarrhea without fluid replacement may also cause hypokalemia. Symptoms of mild hypokalemia include fatigue, confusion, muscle weakness and cramps. Acute hypokalemia may result in abnormal heart rhythms or paralysis. Restoration of potassium levels includes taking supplements by mouth if hypokalemia is mild; IV fluids containing potassium may be ordered for those with acute hypokalemia.
Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia means there is too much potassium in the blood. Hyperkalemia is more dangerous than hypokalemia; often the first symptom of hyperkalemia is an abnormal heart rhythm. The most common causes of hyperkalemia are kidney failure or the use of drugs, such as ACE inhibitors, which are used to lower blood pressure. Treatment usually includes medications that cause the body to excrete potassium, such as diuretics.
Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia means there is not enough sodium, or salt, in the blood. Hyponatremia can be caused by disease, drinking too much water, not consuming enough salt in the diet or excreting too much sodium through sweat or urine. Symptoms of hyponatremia include confusion, weakness, drowsiness and seizure. Mildly low levels of salt can be resolved through diet. The Merck Manual notes that a sharp fall in blood sodium levels results in more profound symptoms than a slow decline. Dangerously low levels of sodium are brought back up slowly through the use of intravenous solutions.
Hypernatremia
Hypernatremia is a condition where there is too much sodium in the blood. This may be caused by dehydration or the use of diuretics. Hypernatremia can lead to confusion, coma, paralysis and seizure. Hypernatremia is treated with fluid replacement. Severe hypernatremia may be treated with fluids given intravenously.
