Epidemiology of Hyponatremia 

Hyponatremia in reality is not too common of a disease, especially in the U.S.  With the abundance of nutrients and food, there is one place where hyponatremia is extremely prevalent, and that is in the healthcare setting (e.g hospitals, retirement homes, etc.). In the hospital setting, the incidence of hyponatremia lies at around 15% of patients.  67% of cases of hyponatremia are iatrogenic, which means that the state of hyponatremia was brought on by the healthcare workers themselves (1).  The risk of hyponatremia increases with age (1).  Incidences have been reported from 7-51% in geriatric patients, with many of them occuring in long term care centers (2).  Why is this even important?  Sodium plays an important role in the body's water regulation along with many other important bodily functions such as muscle and nerve function.  Without sodium, the body will not be able to properly function.  It is also important to note that there is an association between hyponatremia, heart failure, pulmonary tuberculosis, child diarrhea, and heart attacks (1).  This is important because even though it doesn't seem like hyponatremia is as life-threatening as something.... say like cancer, aids, or heart attack, it is still very important to monitor serum sodium levels.  Even slight hyponatremia increases the risk of death, so with immediate intervention, lives can be saved.

Hypnatremia and Hospital Mortality

Hyponatremia occurs in the hospital setting the most often and does not have a race/ethnicity preference. Outside of the hospital however, hyponatremia is prevalent in people who are participating in physical activity and sweat a lot.  Examples include marathon runners who lose lots of water, along with salt (sodium and chloride).  To remedy this, it is important to drink fluid with electrolytes (such as gatorade), along with not overdrinking water.  Just drinking the right amount is enough.  Always be careful to take everything in moderation, including water!

Works Cited 

1) Blevins, L. (2013, March 5). Hyponatremia: The Endocrinologist's Role in Improving Patient Outcomes. Retrieved April 9, 2015, from https://www.aace.com/sites/all/files/blevins_hyponatremia_ss2013AM.pdf

2) Verbalis, J., Goldsmith, S., Greenberg, A., Korzelius, C., Schrier, R., Sterns, R., & Thompson, C. (2013). Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of Hyponatremia: Expert Panel Recommendations. American Journal of Medicine, 126(10), 42-42. Retrieved April 8, 2015, from http://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(13)00605-0/abstract