Electrolytes
Sodium
What This Marker Tells Us
The primary electrolyte maintaining fluid balance, blood pressure, nerve transmission, and muscle function.
Why It Matters
Both high and low sodium cause severe symptoms from confusion and seizures to coma and death. Sodium imbalances indicate problems with fluid intake, kidney function, hormone regulation, or heart function. Even mild abnormalities impair physical performance, cognition, and blood pressure control. Maintaining sodium balance optimizes health and performance.
How to Interpret Your Trends
Low sodium (below 135 mEq/L) indicates hyponatremia from overhydration, kidney disease, heart failure, or SIADH, causing confusion, weakness, and seizures. Typical sodium (135-145 mEq/L) reflects proper fluid balance and kidney function. High sodium (above 145 mEq/L) indicates hypernatremia from dehydration, inadequate water intake, or kidney problems, causing thirst, confusion, and cellular dysfunction.
What Influences This Marker
Fluid intake, sweat losses, dietary sodium, and kidney function determine sodium levels. Excessive water intake without electrolytes dilutes sodium. Dehydration concentrates sodium. Intense exercise with inadequate electrolyte replacement can cause either high or low sodium. Certain medications, kidney disease, and hormonal disorders affect regulation. Matching fluid and sodium intake to losses maintains balance.
How Your Team Uses It
Your coach uses sodium to ensure proper hydration and electrolyte balance, particularly around training. Abnormal values prompt investigation of hydration practices, kidney function, and medical causes. It guides electrolyte supplementation strategies for endurance activities and hot weather training.
Related Signals We Also Review
Osmolality, potassium, chloride, kidney function, hydration status, and blood pressure complete the electrolyte and fluid balance assessment.