Increased sodium in the blood. Ionogram

The materials are published for review and are not a prescription for treatment! We recommend that you contact a hematologist at your healthcare facility!

Hypernatremia - an increase in the concentration of sodium ions in the blood plasma. It is caused by a lack of water in relation to the sodium chloride that has entered the body. The main symptom is thirst. When water is lost, cells develop neurological symptoms: nervous, muscular excitability, loss of consciousness, coma.

The role of sodium ions in the body

Sodium is in a bound form and in the form of ions. It is responsible for the retention of water in the body, for maintaining the balance of electrolytes. Takes part in the work of the nervous and muscular systems. About 85% of sodium (in the form of ions) is found in the lymph and blood. The hormone aldosterone maintains sodium ions by regulating its excretion in the urine. Part of the sodium is removed with sweat.

Foods contain sodium in the form of cations. Sodium is part of table salt, baking soda. Laxatives, toothpastes, aspirin also contain sodium.

Important! Excess sodium entering the body leads to high blood pressure, increased risk of kidney, cardiovascular diseases, strokes, causes swelling.

The main causes of hypernatremia

There are two main reasons:

excessive intake of sodium salts in the body,
dehydration - lack of water in the cells and the body as a whole.

An excess of sodium ions in the body is observed:

at intravenous infusion sodium compounds;
with an excess of salt in food;
hypersecretion of aldosterone by the adrenal glands.

Another reason is intracellular dehydration - the release of sodium ions and water from cells into the intercellular space.

When can dehydration occur?

with insufficient drinking regime;
as a result of excessive sweating;
with blood loss, severe, extensive burns;
as a result of taking diuretics;
diarrhea, indomitable vomiting;
diseases of the kidneys or adrenal glands.

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Hypernatremia in the elderly

Pathology occurs in 40% of elderly patients who consult a doctor with complaints. Causes of the disease:

Depressed feeling of thirst.
Violation of the renal nephrons.
Violation of the secretion of antidiuretic hormone, vasopressin.

Types of water loss

Extrarenal losses include fluid loss through the lungs, skin, digestive tract. Renal water loss is associated with the use of diuretics, diabetes insipidus, osmotic diuresis.

Symptoms of hypernatremia

Hypernatremia - serious illness requiring treatment to avoid cerebral edema, coma, fatality. With hypernatremia, there is a loss of water by cells, a decrease in their volume. This often leads to intracerebral hemorrhages. Man is tormented intense thirst, there is a need for cold water even with a piece of ice. Sweating increases sharply, diarrhea develops, the amount of fluid in the bloodstream increases. If the amount of cations rises to 180 mmol / l, a lethal outcome is possible.

Treatment

How to replenish water losses? It is necessary to provide compensation for the loss of water by the body, to lower the concentration of sodium cations. Patients:

a plentiful drink is prescribed;
with indomitable vomiting or unconsciousness, it is recommended intravenous administration liquids;
prescribe the infusion of fluid into the stomach through a probe.

Treatment of hypernatremia, the introduction of fluid (dextrose, saline, 5% glucose) should be under constant supervision biochemical composition plasma for electrolytes. Control is necessary to avoid over-hydration.

Sodium is a mineral element that is an important part of the tissues of the human body. It is the main extracellular cation supporting osmotic pressure and regulating acid-base balance, neuromuscular excitability, and electrical impulse transmission.

Russian synonyms

Sodium ions, sodium in the blood.

English synonyms

Sodium, Na, Sodium serum.

Research method

ion-selective electrodes.

Units

mmol/l (millimoles per liter).

What biomaterial can be used for research?

Venous blood.

How to properly prepare for research?

Do not eat for 12 hours before the test.
Do not smoke for 30 minutes prior to the study.

General information about the study

Sodium is a vital trace element that is necessary for impulse transmission in nervous system and muscle contractions. The sodium ion interacts with other electrolytes (potassium, chlorine, carbonate anion) and regulates the body's water-salt balance. Together they provide normal work nerve endings- the transmission of weak electrical impulses and, as a result, muscle contraction.

Sodium is present in all body fluids and tissues, but the highest concentration is in the blood and extracellular fluid. Level extracellular sodium controlled by the kidneys.

For humans, the source of sodium is table salt. Most Gets daily allowance this element.

Sodium absorption in the intestine is influenced by gastrin, secretin, cholecystokinin, prostaglandins. The body takes part of the incoming sodium for its own needs, and the rest is excreted by the kidneys, maintaining the electrolyte concentration in a very narrow range.

Sodium Maintenance Mechanisms:

production of hormones that increase or decrease urinary sodium loss (natriuretic peptide and aldosterone),
production of a hormone that prevents fluid loss in the urine (antidiuretic hormone),
thirst control (antidiuretic hormone).

Abnormal levels of sodium in the blood are usually associated with one of these mechanisms. When the level of sodium in the blood changes, the amount of fluid in the tissues of the body also changes. Most often, this leads to dehydration or swelling (especially of the legs).

Of all sodium electrolytes in human body most. It plays a major role in the distribution of fluid between the extracellular and intracellular spaces. In addition, he participates in the transfer nerve impulse and contraction of the heart muscle. Without a certain amount of sodium, the body is not able to function, which is why it is so important that its level is stable and not subject to significant fluctuations.

Sodium is excreted by the kidneys, and its concentration is regulated by the hormone aldosterone, which is synthesized in the adrenal glands. Other factors that maintain sodium at a constant level are the activity of the carbonic anhydrase enzyme, the action of hormones from the anterior pituitary gland, the secretion of the enzyme renin, ADH, and vasopressin.

What is research used for?

To determine the degree of hyponatremia and hypernatremia, often associated with dehydration, edema and other diseases.
To diagnose the pathology of the brain, lungs, liver, heart, kidneys, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, which is a consequence or cause of deficiency or excess of sodium.
To monitor the effectiveness of the treatment of patients with impaired electrolyte composition, for example, when taking diuretics.

When is the study scheduled?

In a standard laboratory examination as part of biochemical analysis blood in most people (along with a group of other electrolytes: chlorine, potassium, magnesium).
For non-specific complaints to monitor the results of treatment arterial hypertension, heart failure, kidney and / or liver disease.
If dehydration is suspected.
With symptoms of hyponatremia (weakness, lethargy, confusion) and hypernatremia (thirst, decreased urine output, convulsions, agitation).

At plummet sodium level, a person may feel weakness and fatigue, in some cases confusion occurs up to coma. With a slower decrease in sodium concentration, there may be no symptoms at all, so its level is still checked even if there are no symptoms.

What do the results mean?

Reference values: 136 - 145 mmol / l.

A low sodium level is indicative of hyponatremia due to excessive electrolyte loss, excess fluid intake or fluid retention with or without edema.

Hyponatremia rarely occurs with a lack of electrolyte intake from the outside. Most often, it is a consequence of its increased loss (due to Addison's disease, diarrhea, increased sweating, diuretics, or kidney disease). Sodium levels may decrease in response to an increase in total body fluid (with excessive water intake, heart failure, cirrhosis, kidney disease that causes excessive loss of protein in the urine, such as nephrotic syndrome). Sometimes (especially in diseases of the brain and lungs, many cancerous lesions and with the use of certain drugs) the body produces a lot of antidiuretic hormone, which retains fluid in the body.

A high sodium level implies hypernatremia, in most cases due to dehydration due to insufficient fluid intake. Among its symptoms are dry mucous membranes, thirst, restlessness, erratic movements, convulsions and coma. AT rare cases hypernatremia is caused by Cushing's syndrome or a condition with low level ADH (diabetes insipidus).

The causes of high sodium levels can be ketoacidosis, Cushing's syndrome, dehydration, kidney disease, diabetes insipidus, high sodium intake, hyperaldosteronism, etc., low - constant thirst, heart failure, vomiting, diarrhea, diabetes insipidus, cirrhosis, kidney disease.

Sodium Reduction indicates more often an excess of fluid than a lack of sodium. It can be called:

congestive heart failure (edema lower extremities and the accumulation of fluid in the natural cavities of the body),
excessive fluid loss (severe diarrhea, vomiting, heavy sweating),
introduction hypertonic saline glucose (accumulation of fluid in the bloodstream to dilute the resulting blood composition),
severe jade,
obstruction of the pyloric part of the stomach (vomiting of gastric contents with high content electrolytes),
malabsorption - a violation of the primary absorption of sodium from food, and the adsorption of sodium released into the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract,
diabetic acidosis,
overdose medicines such as diuretics ( increased secretion electrolyte in urine)
edema,
high fluid intake
hypothyroidism,
increased production of ADH (fluid retention in the body),
adrenal insufficiency (lack of aldosterone, which is responsible for the reverse absorption of sodium in the kidneys),
burn disease (dilution of blood due to interstitial fluid).

Sodium levels rise under the following conditions.

Apart from organic matter in proteins and other biologically active substances.

blood potassium

The amount of potassium in the blood

Potassium is predominantly an intracellular ion, since 89% of potassium is inside cells, and only 11% of potassium is found outside the cells.

In blood healthy person the normal concentration of potassium is 3.5-5.5 mmol / l.

The concentration of potassium in the blood can change under the influence of the following substances: insulin, catecholamines (adrenaline, norepinephrine), aldosterone (a hormone produced by the kidneys), an increase in blood acidity, a diuretic - mannitol. A person may be deficient in potassium hypokalemia and the excess hyperkalemia.

Hypokalemia is characterized by a decrease in the concentration of potassium in the blood below 3.5 mmol / l, and hyperkalemia is an increase in the concentration of an ion above 6.0 mmol / l. Hypokalemia and hyperkalemia are characterized by certain symptoms, which we will discuss below.

Causes of a decrease in potassium in the blood

Find out the reasons for the development of hypokalemia:

diet with low content potassium
an increase in the body's need for potassium (for example, after operations)
during and after childbirth
skull trauma
thyrotoxicosis (thyroid disease)
insulin overdose
taking certain medications (glucocorticoids, diuretics, anti-asthma drugs)
dehydration of the body (vomiting, diarrhea, increased sweating, gastric and intestinal lavage)
gastric and intestinal fistulas

Since potassium is present in the cells of all organs and systems of the human body, the clinical symptoms of low potassium content are very diverse. Let us group the manifestations of hypokalemia according to manifestations from each group of interconnected organs.

Symptoms of a decrease in potassium in the blood and

Signs of hypokalemia:

disorders of the nervous system

drowsiness
tremor (shaking hands)
increased muscle tone

respiratory and cardiovascular disorders

decrease in heart rate (pulse)
enlargement of the heart
heart murmurs
weakening of the force of contractions of the heart
violation of electrical processes in the heart muscle
moist rales

disruption of the gastrointestinal tract

paresis of the intestine with the formation of obstruction

hormonal disorders

glucose intolerance
violation of the mechanism for maintaining normal blood pressure in the kidneys

kidney dysfunction

polyuria (excessive urination of more than 2.5 liters per day) with the transition to anuria (absence of urination)

Hyperkalemia manifests itself with an increase in the concentration of potassium in the blood above 6.0 mmol / l. Under what conditions does this condition develop?

Causes of increased potassium in the blood

Causes of hyperkalemia:

very high potassium diet
acute renal failure
acute liver failure
dehydration of the body (diarrhea, vomiting, sweating, increased urination, etc.)
extensive burns
crush syndrome (develops as a result of prolonged compression tissues)
alcohol poisoning
high blood glucose
Addison's disease
the use of certain drugs (B-blockers, muscle relaxants, cardiac glycosides, heparin, spironolactone, indomethacin, aspirin, etc.)
systemic lupus erythematosus
amyloidosis

For detailed information on diseases leading to an increase in potassium in the blood, read the articles: Diabetes , Addison's disease, Tuberculosis

Symptoms of high potassium in the blood

The manifestations of hyperkalemia are as varied as those of hypokalemia. They concern violations of the activity of all organs and systems. Consider the manifestations of hyperkalemia:

anxiety
myasthenia gravis ( muscle weakness varying degrees severity)
paralysis

dysfunction of the lungs and heart

extrasystoles
cardiac arrest at a potassium concentration above 10 mmol / l
respiratory failure (decrease, increase, etc.)

changes in kidney function

oliguria (reduction of urination to 400-600 ml per day) with the transition to anuria
protein and blood in the urine

Read more about cardiac arrhythmia in the article: cardiac arrhythmia

How to take a blood potassium test?

If there is a suspicion of a deficiency or excess of potassium in the blood, an analysis should be taken. An analysis to determine the concentration of potassium ions is carried out in blood taken from a vein in the morning, on an empty stomach. On the eve of the test, you should not eat salty, spicy and pickled foods. Currently, the determination of potassium concentration is carried out either on an automatic analyzer or by titration. The accuracy of the analyzer is higher (subject to correct setup and correct calibration of the equipment). Therefore, an automated method is preferred.

blood sodium

The rate of sodium in the blood, the functions of sodium, the formation of edema
Sodium is the main ion of the extracellular fluid, 75% of all sodium is found outside the cell and only 25% is inside the cells.

The rate of sodium in the blood

Normally, the blood of an adult contains sodium 123-140 mmol / l.

Excess sodium is excreted by 85-90% with urine, 5-10% with feces and up to 5% with sweat. Sodium is involved in maintaining osmotic pressure and blood pH, takes part in the activity of the nervous, cardiovascular and muscular systems.

Consider the mechanism of action of sodium in the formation of edema. An increase in intracellular sodium concentration leads to edema, and an increase in extracellular fluid sodium concentration leads to dehydration. An increase in the concentration of sodium inside the vessels leads to an outflow of fluid from the tissues and an increase in the volume of circulating blood, as well as an increase in blood pressure.

Causes of low sodium in the blood

A decrease in the concentration of sodium in the blood below 120 mmol / l is called hyponatremia. Consider what leads to this state:

diet low in sodium (salt-free)
profuse sweating combined with insufficient drinking
burns
adrenal disease
uncontrolled use of diuretic drugs (for example, mannitol)
copious low-sodium drips
kidney pathology (nephritis, poisoning, kidney failure)

In addition to true hyponatremia, there is a condition of the body called false hyponatremia. False hyponatremia is fixed with an increased content of lipids, immunoglobulins and glucose in the blood. This is due to the fact that the above substances make it difficult to determine the concentration of sodium and distort the result in the direction of decrease. Therefore, when reading the results of the analysis, it is necessary to take into account the indicators of glucose, immunoglobulins and lipids.

Symptoms of low blood sodium

The manifestations of hyponatremia are varied. Various symptoms develops already at a sodium concentration in the blood at the level of 110-120 mmol / l. Consider the main symptoms of reduced sodium concentration in the blood:

symptoms of the disease that led to the formation of hyponatremia (for example, kidney failure)
edema
hypotension (low arterial pressure)
muscle weakness and impaired reflexes
lack of thirst
loss of appetite
oliguria (urination at the level of 400-600 ml per day)
apathy
loss of consciousness
stupor

Causes of increased sodium in the blood

An increase in the concentration of sodium in the blood above 150 mmol / l is called hypernatremia. Hypernatremia underlies the development of edema in kidney disease and heart failure. In acute renal failure, hypernatremia is combined with a reduced content of potassium and calcium in the blood.
Consider the main factors leading to the development of hypernatremia:

increased intake of sodium from food, water (for example, the abuse of salty foods)
insufficient drinking
heavy losses water through the lungs (long artificial ventilation lungs), skin (excessive sweating)
polyuria (urination more than 2500 ml per day)
diabetes insipidus
hyperaldosteronism (Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome)
nephritis interstitial
operation and postoperative period
taking certain medications (drugs, chlorpropanide, glucocorticoids, vaccistin, large amounts of saline)
hypothalamus damage

So, we see that often the formation of hypernatremia occurs due to an imbalance in the intake of fluid and its excretion from the body. In second place among the causes of hypernatremia are kidney disease and stress.

Symptoms of high sodium in the blood

How can hypernatremia be recognized? First, an excess of sodium is always accompanied by a retention of chlorine, which leads to dehydration. Therefore, there are three main signs of hypernatremia- polydipsia (strong thirst), polyuria (increased urination of more than 2.5 liters per day), albuminuria (protein in the urine). However, along with the above, here are other symptoms of hypernatremia:

polydipsia
polyuria
albuminuria
dry skin
hyperthermia (fever up to fever)
increased blood pressure
increased reflexes
kidney failure
muscle weakness
drowsiness
stupor, coma
delirium

How to take a blood sodium test?

If any symptoms appear that may be associated with a violation of the concentration of sodium in the blood, it is advisable to take an analysis. A blood test for sodium content is taken in the morning, from a vein, on an empty stomach. When preparing for the test, it is necessary to exclude excessive drinking, excessive sweating, and also not to eat too salty or completely unsalted food. Currently, the sodium concentration is determined using an automated electrode method or a manual titration method. The automated method has great advantages because it is more accurate, has higher sensitivity and specificity, and is faster.

blood calcium

Blood calcium level

Calcium in the human body is in the form of free ionized calcium and in protein-bound form. In the clinical laboratory diagnostics is taken into account ionized calcium. Calcium is an extracellular element.

The body of an adult contains 1-1.5 kg of calcium, of which 99% is in the bones and 1% is in biological fluids, mainly in plasma.

Normally, in the blood of an adult, the concentration of calcium is 2.15-2.65 mmol / l
In newborns - 1.75 mmol / l
In premature newborns - calcium concentration less than 1.25 mmol / l

Normal calcium levels are regulated by parathyroid hormone, calcitonin and calcitriol.

Consider a decrease in the concentration of calcium in the blood - hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia may be acute- develops during transfusion a large number blood preserved with sodium citrate, also during transfusion of albumins. All other types of hypocalcemia are chronic.

Causes of a decrease in calcium in the blood

Consider the reasons for the decrease in calcium in the blood:

lack of vitamin D
lack of calcium in food
calcium malabsorption due to bowel resection, diarrhea, or pancreatic insufficiency
rickets (if formed)
hypodynamia (inactivity)
tumors
chronic sepsis
toxic damage to the liver (salt poisoning heavy metals, alcohol surrogates)
diseases parathyroid glands or their amputation
hypernatremia
hypoalbuminemia
high estrogen content
taking corticosteroids and interleukins

Read more about rickets in the article: Rickets

Symptoms of low blood calcium

The symptoms of hypocalcemia are very diverse, since calcium is involved in many physiological processes. Here are the manifestations of hypocalcemia in a structured form:

mental symptoms

dizziness
migraine-like headaches

skin and bone symptoms

hair loss
nail destruction
dry, cracked skin

neuromuscular disorders

increased reflexes with a transition to tetanic convulsions

disturbances in the activity of the cardiovascular system

tachycardia (increased heart rate - pulse)
bleeding disorder (prolongation of clotting time)

Hypocalcemia is more common than an increase in the concentration of calcium in the blood. An increase in blood calcium of more than 2.6 mmol / l is called hypercalcemia.
Hypercalcemia is physiological - in newborns after 4 days of life and after eating. All other variants of hypercalcemia are pathological, that is, they occur with various diseases.

Causes of high calcium levels in the blood

Why does the level of calcium in the blood rise? Here are the factors leading to hypercalcemia:

disease of the parathyroid glands (increased activity)
hyperthyroidism ( enhanced function thyroid gland)
vitamin D hypervitaminosis
peritonitis
obstructive jaundice
heart failure

Symptoms of high blood calcium

Clinical symptoms calcium elevations can be associated with almost any body system. Let's list clinical manifestations hypercalcemia:

from the nervous and muscular systems

vomit
weakness
disorientation
disturbances of consciousness
increased reflexes
asthenia
adynamia (immobility)

acute renal failure in the presence of anuria (lack of urination)
disorders of the cardiovascular system

vascular calcification (deposition of calcium in the vessel wall)
tachycardia

So, hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia can lead to the development of serious pathology. Therefore, it is advisable to regularly check the concentration of calcium in the blood.

How to take a blood calcium test?

To analyze the calcium content, blood is taken from a vein, in the morning, on an empty stomach. Special training not required. To date, calcium is determined by the method of complexation or titration. The complex formation method is more accurate, sensitive and takes less time. Therefore, this method is preferred.

blood chlorine

The norm of chlorine in the blood

Chlorine is an extracellular ion. Chlorine ions in the human body are involved in maintaining osmotic pressure, together with sodium and potassium ions regulate water-salt exchange, are necessary for the production gastric juice. Chlorine is also involved in the regulation of the acid-base balance of the blood. Absorption of chlorine from food occurs in the large intestine, and excretion with urine (mainly), sweat and feces.

The normal concentration of chlorine in the blood of a healthy person is 95-107 mmol / l.

Together with table salt, a person receives an excess of chlorides, so the state of low chlorine in the blood ( hypochloridemia) has only been studied experimentally (on animals).

Decreased blood chlorine - causes and symptoms

Hypochloridemia in humans develops as compensatory mechanism at various violations acid-base state, osmotic pressure, etc. That is, such an option for reducing the concentration of chlorine in the blood is redistributive, and not absolute, as is the case with other microelements. In this case, a low concentration of chlorine in the blood develops as a result of profuse sweating, vomiting, development of edema and the use of diuretics uncontrollably. However, the main reasons for the development of absolute hypochloridemia are lack of food, as well as disorders of chlorine metabolism. A person may develop short-term hypochloremia in response to the excretion of large amounts of chlorine and sodium (taking laxatives, diuretics, washing the stomach and intestines, vomiting). It is also possible to develop chlorine deficiency in children with artificial feeding.

Symptoms of a lack of chlorides

According to experimental data, hypochloremia manifests itself as follows:

growth retardation
increased convulsive readiness

Increased blood chlorine - causes and symptoms

Chlorine is toxic substance. An increase in its concentration in the blood ( hyperchloridemia) is possible with excess intake - more than 15 g per day. The main symptom of absolute hyperchloridemia is growth inhibition. A high concentration of chlorine in the body is a sign dehydration, which develops in the pathology of the kidneys, stones in the ureters, diabetes insipidus, adrenal insufficiency, and inadequate fluid in and out of the body. Excessive intake of chlorides from food can cause chronic dehydration, diabetes insipidus.

Currently, the determination of the concentration of chlorine in the blood is used to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment of diseases of the kidneys, adrenal glands and diabetes.

How to take a blood chlorine test?

To determine chlorine, blood is taken from a vein, in the morning, on an empty stomach. The determination occurs by the colorimetric method or electrode. The electrode method is more accurate, simple and less harmful. Therefore, it is preferable.

blood magnesium

The norm of magnesium in the blood

Magnesium is a trace element, which is 55-70% in the blood in bound state, entering the structure of biological macromolecules (for example, enzymes). The intracellular magnesium pool is 25%, and magnesium in the extracellular fluid is 1.5%. Since the intracellular magnesium pool is higher than the extracellular one, magnesium is an intracellular ion. Magnesium is essential for the functioning of the heart.

In a healthy person, the normal concentration of magnesium in the blood is 0.8-1.2 mmol / l.

There are conditions in which the concentration of magnesium in the blood is higher - 1.2 mmol / l and lower than 0.8 mmol / l. Low Magnesium State - hypomagnesemia, high concentration – hypermagnesemia.

Causes of low blood magnesium

Consider what factors can lead to the development of hypomagnesemia. So the reasons are:

deficiency in the diet
impaired delivery of magnesium from the gastrointestinal tract (vomiting, diarrhea, worms, tumors)
chronic poisoning metal salts (mercury, barium, arsenic, aluminum)
thyrotoxicosis
parathyroid diseases (increased function)
high magnesium requirements (eg, pregnancy and lactation, growth in children, athletes)
hereditary deficiency of phosphorus
the use of certain drugs (diuretics - furosemide, spironolactone, cardiac glycosides, insulin, caffeine, aminoglycosides)

Symptoms of low blood magnesium

As we can see, there are a lot of reasons for the development of hypomagnesemia and they are diverse. How does hypomagnesemia manifest itself? With prolonged magnesium deficiency, calcium is deposited in the walls of blood vessels. Consider the violations characteristic of the state of magnesium deficiency:

mental disorders

dizziness and headaches
hallucinations
apathy

disorders of the nervous and muscular systems

tremor (shaking limbs)
paresthesia (goosebumps)
muscle spasms
increased reflexes (symptoms of Trousseau and Chvostek)

disorders in the respiratory and cardiovascular systems

tachycardia (increased heart rate)
jumps in blood pressure
extrasystole
spasm of the bronchi and trachea

violations by other organs

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
biliary dyskinesia
spasms of sphincters, muscles of the stomach, intestines, uterus
fragility of hair, nails, dental diseases

If a person has depression, intrusive thoughts, migraines, constant apathy, insomnia, unexplained anxiety, then all these symptoms can be caused by magnesium deficiency in the body. According to statistics, magnesium deficiency affects up to 50% of the population.

Causes of high blood magnesium

In addition to hypomagnesemia, the opposite condition may develop - hypermagnesemia, which is characterized by an increase in the concentration of magnesium in the blood above normal. Hypermagnesemia is less common than hypomagnesemia. Consider the main factors leading to a decrease in the concentration of magnesium in the blood:

acute and chronic renal failure
magnesium overdose
hypothyroidism (decreased thyroid function)
dehydration
myeloma
adrenal insufficiency
systemic lupus erythematosus
sharp rise breakdown processes in the body (eg, diabetic acidosis)

Symptoms of high blood magnesium

Despite the relative rarity of hypermagnesemia, this condition is no easier to manifest than hypomagnesemia. So, the clinical manifestations of hypermagnesemia:

mental disorders

drowsiness
lethargy

nervous and muscular pathologies

superficial and deep anesthesia (at magnesium levels above 4.7 mmol/l and 8.3 mmol/l, respectively)
asthenia
ataxia (impaired coordination of movements)
decreased reflexes

disruption of the cardiovascular system

bradycardia (decreased heart rate)
low diastolic pressure(bottom)
asystole

disorders of the gastrointestinal tract

nausea, vomiting
diarrhea
stomach ache

How to take a blood magnesium test?

To determine the concentration of magnesium, blood is taken from a vein, in the morning (before 10 am), on an empty stomach. After the last meal, at least 6 hours must pass before the test is taken. Avoid physical activity. Do not take magnesium preparations for 4-6 days before taking the test. Magnesium is determined by atomic adsorption or chemical reaction to form a colored compound. The atomic adsorption method is preferred because it is more sensitive, specific and more accurate.

blood phosphorus

The norm of phosphorus in the blood

The total content of phosphates in the blood consists of soluble and insoluble fractions. In clinical laboratory diagnostics, the soluble fraction is determined. The insoluble fraction is in the composition of phospholipids, immune complexes and nucleoproteins. Most of the phosphates (80-85%) enter the skeleton in the form of calcium salts, 15-20% is in the blood and tissues.

The normal concentration of phosphorus in the blood of a healthy person is 0.81-1.45 mmol / l

The normal concentration of phosphorus in the urine is 25.8-48.4 mmol / day.

The content of phosphorus in the blood of newborns is 1.19-2.78 mmol / l. Calcium phosphate is extremely insoluble in saline solutions. Maintaining high millimolar concentrations of phosphorus in the blood is possible only due to the connection with proteins. Decreased levels of phosphate in the blood are called hypophosphatemia, and the increase hyperphosphatemia. Determination of blood phosphates has less diagnostic value compared to other micronutrients.

Causes of a decrease in blood phosphorus

Hypophosphatemia - the content of phosphates can be reduced to 0.26-0.97 mmol / l. Hypophosphatemia develops in rickets in childhood. Low phosphate levels in adults lead to osteomalacia (bone breakdown) and pellagra. And it occurs as a result of treatment with insulin and CaCl2, as well as with myxedema and hyperparathyroidism ( increased function parathyroid glands).

Causes of hypophosphatemia:

dysregulation of metabolism
diet low in phosphorus (low meat products)
diet high in calcium, aluminum, magnesium, barium
abuse of drinks artificial dyes
drug addiction, Hyperphosphatemia develops when:
bone tissue destruction processes

How to take a blood phosphorus test?

soda solution

blood iron

Iron is normal in the blood

important element

necessary element

The norm of iron content in blood serum in women is 14.3-17.9 µmol / l

The norm of iron content in the blood serum of men is 17.9-22.5 µmol / l

The need for iron in women is twice that of men. This is due to the regular loss of iron during menstruation, as well as the increased need during pregnancy and lactation. The absorption of iron from food occurs in the intestine, and iron is better absorbed from animal products (meat, liver) than from vegetable products (legumes, spinach).

Causes of high iron in the blood

hyperferremia

hypoferremia

hemochromatosis
pernicious anemia
hypoplastic anemia
thalassemia
leukemia
deficiency of vitamins B12, B6 and B9 ( folic acid)
acute and chronic hepatitis
poisoning with various iron preparations and dietary supplements containing iron
lead poisoning
work in iron mines

At regular use oral contraceptives and estrogen also increases the concentration of iron in the blood. Therefore, when using them, it is necessary to control the level of iron.

Consequences of high iron in the blood
With a sufficiently long-term high concentration of iron in the blood, iron begins to be deposited in organs and tissues, leading to the development hemochromatosis and hemosiderosis. With hemochromatosis in the intestine, the ability to regulate iron metabolism is impaired, as a result of which the "excess" iron is not excreted, but all of it enters the bloodstream. Hemochromatosis is also called bronze diabetes because the skin of such patients acquires a dark bronze color or bronze spots appear on the skin due to the deposition of iron in the skin. However, iron is deposited not only in the skin, but also in all organs, leading to disruption of the functioning of these organs. Hemosiderosis is manifested by disorders of the heart, due to iron deposition in the myocardium, the formation of iron deposits in the lungs, enlargement of the liver and spleen. The skin with hemosiderosis acquires an earthy hue.
Long-term presence of "excess" iron in depot organs can provoke the development of diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, liver and heart disease, and breast cancer.

Symptoms of high blood iron

pay attention to the following symptoms, they may indicate an excess of iron in the blood:

weakness
lethargy
dizziness
baldness
memory impairment
arrhythmia
stomach ache
joint pain
decreased libido
liver enlargement
diabetes
skin lesion

Causes of low blood iron

Let us consider under what pathological and physiological states possible hypothermia. Reduced iron content is observed in the following conditions:

chronic renal failure
sharp infectious diseases
iron deficiency anemia
vitamin B12 deficiency
blood diseases (acute and chronic leukemia, myeloma)
acute and chronic bleeding
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (enteritis, colitis, low acidity of gastric juice, resection of the stomach and intestines)
chronic hepatitis
cirrhosis of the liver
increased need for iron (period active growth, pregnancy, breastfeeding)

Most often, iron deficiency leads to the formation of anemia, which are manifested by weakness, lethargy, apathy, pallor, decreased performance, etc. However, anemia is the final stage of iron deficiency, when anemia has already developed. And what symptoms can alert a person and make him assume the presence of an iron deficiency in the body in order to prevent the development of anemia?

Symptoms of iron deficiency

dry skin
cracks in the corners of the mouth
brittle, dull, split ends
brittle, brittle nails
muscle weakness
dryness of the oral mucosa
lack of appetite
digestive disturbances in the form of alternating constipation and diarrhea
change in taste (eating chalk)
perversion of smell (addiction to strange smells - exhaust gases, washed concrete floors)
immunodeficiency (frequent colds with a long recovery period, pustular skin lesions, etc.)
lethargy
apathy
depression
dizziness

How to get tested for iron in blood?

If there is a suspicion of low or high level iron in the blood, it is advisable to take a blood test. To do this, take blood from a vein, in the morning, on an empty stomach. Most content iron is observed in the morning hours. Before taking the test, you must refrain from eating for 8-12 hours. Determination of the concentration of iron, as a rule, is carried out by the colorimetric method. The method is quite accurate, sensitive and simple.

Sodium (Na, Sodium) is the main component of the intercellular space. Sodium and potassium of the blood regulate the volume of extracellular fluid, osmotic pressure.

Na plays important role in the human body. The element sodium is essential for normal growth, promotes normal functioning nerves and muscles, helps retain calcium and other minerals dissolved in the blood. Sodium helps prevent heat or sunstroke, participates in the transport of hydrogen ions.

Norms of sodium in the blood (Sodium):

136 - 145 mmol / l.

Best natural sources sodium - products containing sodium: salt, oysters, crabs, carrots, beets, artichokes, dried beef, brains, kidneys, ham. To ensure the supply of sodium to the body in enough food must contain sodium

However, by increasing the sodium content, we often harm our body. Increasing sodium levels in the blood is easy, but reducing it is much more difficult. The determination of sodium in the blood serum is prescribed for the diagnosis of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, adrenal glands, with increased fluid loss by the body, dehydration.

Increasing blood sodium levels:

lack of water in the body
increased function of the adrenal cortex
pathology of the hypothalamus, coma
Na retention in the kidneys, increased urination in diabetes insipidus
an excess of sodium salts.

The level of sodium in the blood increases due to the intake of certain medications (androgens, corticosteroids, anabolic steroid, ACTH, estrogens, oral contraceptives) and excessive salt intake. To prevent this, do not abuse following products food: canned meat (ham, bacon, corned beef), sausages, as well as seasonings - ketchup, hot sauce, soy sauce, mustard. Do not use baking soda and baking powder when cooking. Especially careful in the use of salt should be people with high blood pressure because excess sodium increases blood pressure.

Decreased blood sodium level (hyponatremia):

lack of sodium in food
loss of fluid through the skin heavy sweating, through the lungs - with prolonged shortness of breath, through gastrointestinal tract- with vomiting and diarrhea, with fever (abdominal, typhus etc.)
diuretic overdose
adrenal insufficiency
hypothyroidism
diabetes
edema
renal failure, nephrotic syndrome
chronic heart failure
cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure.

Loss of sodium, hyponatremia, may also be associated with the intake of certain medications (anti-inflammatory, diuretics).

On average, the norm of sodium in the blood of an adult is 123-140 mmol / l. About 75% of sodium is present in the extracellular fluid, the remaining 25% is inside the cells. The consumption rate for an adult per day is from 2000 to 4000 mg. For children, 300 mg of sodium per day is sufficient. Main source this substance for humans - salt, although a small amount of it is found in almost all foods. From the body, 85% of sodium is excreted in the urine, the remaining 15% is excreted in the feces and sweat.

It is very important for the body to constantly maintain the right level of salt. Its deficiency or, conversely, excess leads to the development of various diseases or deterioration of well-being. Sodium chloride supports right level. Without this element, it will become almost impossible mineral metabolism in the body. Sodium is present not only in the blood and lymph, but also in digestive juices.

Symptoms and causes of low sodium in the blood

If the concentration of sodium in the blood fell below 120 mmol / l, then we can talk about a deviation from the norm. This condition is called hyponatremia. Popular can lead to it salt-free diet. Minimum Interest Salt must be present in food. This is especially true under conditions of profuse sweating, when salts are excreted from the body very actively.

Sodium deficiency can also be caused by purulent peritonitis abdominal cavity. During an exacerbation, the patient can lose up to 10 g of the substance per day. Some diseases of the adrenal glands and pathologies of the kidneys - at least common cause hyponatremia. If the kidneys do not excrete fluid well, this leads to its accumulation, while the available amount of sodium becomes insufficient for the desired concentration. For some diseases, droppers with a low sodium content are prescribed. With a tendency to reduce the level of sodium in the blood, it is necessary to carefully select the solution for the dropper, as well as when taking diuretics, the amount of which also needs to be controlled.

The most common companion of sodium deficiency is hypotension, i.e. low blood pressure. As you know, salt retains fluid in the body. With its low content, the situation is reversed: the liquid is removed quickly, which leads to a decrease in pressure. The situation is aggravated by the fact that the patient, as a rule, does not feel thirsty. Appetite also decreases, which does not contribute to an increase in blood pressure (blood pressure).

With a particularly low content of sodium in the blood, more serious manifestations of hyponatremia may occur.

Against the background of rapid fatigue and weakness, confusion of thoughts can be observed, short term losses consciousness. Prolonged detachment can be replaced by an excited state. Further loss of sodium by the body can lead to coma and death.

Symptoms and causes of increased sodium in the blood

Very often the reason high content sodium in the blood is commonplace - love for salty foods. Many people love salty, use it in an unacceptable way. large quantities. At the same time, it has long been proven that the consumption of liquid by the average person is significantly below the norm.

These two factors lead to the fact that in lovers of salty, the norm of sodium in the blood can beat all records.

All other causes of hypernatremia (high sodium content) depend on the same two factors: excessive intake of sodium in the body and water deficiency. If the level of sodium in the blood is more than 150 mmol / l, we can talk about the presence of this disease. kidney failure in acute form characterized by hypernatremia against the background of calcium and potassium deficiency.

Edema in heart failure and kidney disease owes its appearance to hypernatremia. Most known causes increasing sodium levels:

Polyuria (abundant urination, more than 2.5 liters per day).
Interstitial nephritis.
Operation and postoperative period.
Diabetes insipidus.
Damage to the hypothalamus.
Stress.
Other profuse fluid loss (active sweating or due to ventilation).

Often severe form hypernatremia is seen in women who have attempted to induce a miscarriage with a sodium chloride solution (very salty water).

As a rule, the first sign of hypernatremia is intense thirst - dry mouth and the desire to take at least a sip of water. Frequent urination may indicate various diseases, but in the presence of other factors, it is an additional confirmation of excess sodium. Another sign indicating this ailment is high blood pressure, accompanied by tachycardia. There is dry skin, drowsiness, and sometimes increased reflexes. In acute cases, in combination with dehydration, the condition can turn into a coma.

Diagnostics and analysis

Having discovered any of the symptoms that indicate in possible deficit or excess sodium in the blood, you should not immediately self-medicate, since any of the signs may indicate the presence of another disease. by the most right action In this situation, there will be a visit to the doctor and a blood test. This type analysis is taken from a vein, preferably in the morning and always on an empty stomach. For the accuracy of the analysis, it is not recommended to drink a lot of liquid, but you should not exhaust yourself with thirst either. This also applies to food eaten the day before (salt should be present in it, but within reasonable limits). Modern clinics Increasingly, the electrode automated titration method is used, which has proven to be more accurate.