Sodium levels

[yorkshiregirl44]

Been checking my last bloods and noticed that sodium was just over the top level 147ml range 133-146...confused because this indicates high blood pressure where mine is also low. My 24 hr cortisol urine levels were also on the low side, it ismy understanding thatthese two results are at the opposite side of the spectrum.

Any ideas..please?

[Jackie]

Hi,Sodium in particular goes with potassium,they are both electrolytes and must always be in range. Potassium about 4 ideally, mid range, and sodium ideally low in range. You are quite right about BP and sodium, but the over ruling fact that you Sodium is dangerous over range. I would cut out nearly all salt and make sure you are drinking a lot, water best. Then have U`s and E`s done again, in just a few weeks. These a kidney function tests and most important.The 24 hour urine test did it include a cortisol tablet at midnight? Also a blood test at 9am. If so and low, then you do need it treating. I cannot remember if you see an Endo, but this is important. You would not want to take cortisone without proper monitoring.

I hope that helps.

Jackie

[yorkshiregirl44 in reply to Jackie]

Hi, No the 24 urine test was just that and i didnt have blood test at 9am. im having acth test done soon arranged by endo, didnt feel endo was interested just going all with this test as i requested it. Iv been concerened because of the odd tests, low cortisol but hugh sodium.

[Jackie in reply to yorkshiregirl44]

Hi I doubt that test was a lot of use. Sorry, but the truth as I see it. I do have a lot of 24 hour urine tests, but apart from the "correct" cortisone test, which must include the cortisone tablet and the blood test. The there is a commonly used one for calcium. Not so usual one for potassium. usually high sodium ins drinking insufficiently. High sodium can also cause fluid retention, of course, not as import as it being a n electrolyte, but not nice

O a separate note, if not happy with the Endo, I would not hesitate to find a new one, by my own careful research, then a new referral. I always do that now, hd some terrible consultants, now I hand pick mine and are very fussy, brilliant ones, al sorts. I had a lot of mistakes in the past by all doctors, now I pick careful, do not be fooled by nice! I also research all my many serious medical conditions, and tell even my good ones, if they are wrong. We now have a good understanding! Unfortunately human and all make mistakes, medicine so complicated too.

best wishes,

Jackie

[Terricotta]

Hi yorkshiregirl44, high sodium doesn't necessarily mean you have high blood pressure. As you say, you have low blood pressure. Sodium can raise blood pressure, but potassium and sodium are more to do with what the body's doing rather than what you're consuming. The two are supposed to support each other. It might be that you need to drink more fluids to bring down the sodium levels, but sodium can also be linked to water retention, depending on your most prevalent hormone (aldosterone is the water-retaining hormone). Low cortisol levels do, apparently, raise sodium levels and sodium and potassium are linked with adrenal and other hormone functions. I spotted some information about this yesterday, by sheer coincidence, on this website: drlwilson.com/Articles/sodi... . It takes some 'translating'!

Hope this helps.