Appropriate Sodium Levels

Sodium is an essential mineral classified as a macromineral because the body requires more than 100 mg per day. Sodium supports vital life functions by regulating blood volume and blood pressure and serving an essential role in normal muscle and nerve cell function. Although many foods naturally contain sodium, humans consume the majority of dietary sodium in the form of sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt. Maintaining appropriate sodium levels is essential to a healthy cardiovascular system and overall good health.

Blood Sodium Level

Doctors can determine the level of sodium in your blood by performing a simple blood test. This test is routinely performed as part of an electrolyte panel or a basic metabolic panel commonly performed to monitor treatments for conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, liver disease or kidney disease. Those who exhibit symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance, such as thirst, weakness or muscle twitching, can benefit from determining their blood sodium level. Normally, blood sodium levels range from 135 to 145 milliequivalents per liter, or mEq/L.

Appropriate Sodium Intake

The appropriate sodium level in the blood represents the balance between the amount of sodium and water you consume and the amount excreted in the urine. To maintain appropriate sodium levels, you should monitor your sodium intake so you don't exceed the daily recommended intake. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's publication "The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010" recommends healthy adults consume no more than 2,300 mg per day. Anyone over the age of 51, of African-American descent or who suffer from hypertension, diabetes or chronic kidney disease should limit their sodium intake to 1,500 mg per day.

High Sodium Levels

High blood sodium levels, a condition known as hypernatremia, usually occur due to an inadequate amount of fluid in the body. An impaired thirst mechanism or limited access to water causes dehydration that can result in hypernatremia. Hypernatremia can also occur after ingesting large amounts of dietary sodium. The first sign of hypernatremia is thirst. Other symptoms include muscle cell excitability, confusion and dysfunctions in the central nervous system that can lead to seizures and coma. To avoid hypernatremia drink plenty of fluids and monitor your blood sodium levels to maintain appropriate levels.

Low Sodium Levels

Hyponatremia is a medical condition characterized by a low sodium level. This occurs when the body contains too much water and not enough sodium. Common causes of hyponatremia include diarrhea, heart failure and kidney disease. Taking medications classified as diuretics can also cause hyponatremia, because they increase the amount of sodium lost in the urine. Symptoms of hyponatremia include headache, confusion and stupor, which can lead to seizures and coma. Doctors treat hyponatremia by administering a solution of 0.9 percent saline to bring sodium levels back into the appropriate range without causing a rapid increase.