When is hyponatremia clinically significant?

Generally, hyponatremia is of clinical significance only when it reflects a drop in the serum osmolality (ie, hypotonic hyponatremia), which is measured directly via osmometry or is calculated as 2(Na) mEq/L + serum glucose (mg/dL)/18 + BUN (mg/dL)/2.8.

How is Dilutional hyponatremia diagnosed?

Some of the tests that may be run to help determine which form of hyponatremia a person has include: Blood urea, potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphate. Plasma and urine osmolality. In dilutional hyponatremia, the plasma osmolality is lower than normal.

What happens when you have hyponatremia?

Low blood sodium is common in older adults, especially those who are hospitalized or living in long-term care facilities. Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia can include altered personality, lethargy and confusion. Severe hyponatremia can cause seizures, coma and even death.

What does it mean to have an atrial ectopic beat?

Overview. An atrial ectopic beat is a problem in the electrical system of the heart. It is an extra heartbeat caused by a signal to the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) from an abnormal electrical focus. It is also called an atrial premature beat or a premature atrial contraction.

What causes arrhythmia in atrial ectopic tachycardia?

Atrial ectopic tachycardia is usually idiopathic. Occasionally, mycoplasmal or viral infections, such as respiratory syncytial virus, may trigger this arrhythmia, although more complex atrial tachycardias, such as chaotic atrial tachycardia, are more frequently found in this scenario.

What is the prevalence of hyponatremia in the United States?

United States. The incidence of hyponatremia depends largely on the patient population and the criteria used to establish the diagnosis. Among hospitalized patients, 15-20% have a serum sodium level of < 135 mEq/L, while only 1-4% have a serum sodium level of less than 130 mEq/L. The prevalence of hyponatremia is lower in the ambulatory setting.

What causes an increase in sodium in an ECG?

Increased (hypernatraemia) and decreased (hyponatraemia) sodium levels do not have any effect on the ECG, nor cardiac rhythm or impulse conduction. 2. Calcium Primary hyperparathyroidism and malignancies cause 90% of all cases of hypercalcaemia.