Effects of Hypernatremia on Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Serum sodium (Na) values above 145 mmol/L indicate hypernatremia: drugs, hormone imbalances, water retention, and Na intake cause it. The inability of the body to control salt balance affects infants, older people with neurological or physical impairment, and critically unwell adults. Vital heart function helps critical cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients. Hypernatremia increases blood pressure, risking stroke and heart disease. This study and meta-analysis assessed CVD patients' blood pressure and hypernatremia. The mortality of CVD patients with hypernatremia was also studied. Furthermore, this study explained salt-induced hypertension. The systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. The included research was published between 2010 and 2022. Several databases were utilized, including PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct. Ten articles were included in this study. Two studies demonstrated the effects of hypernatremia on blood pressure, five studies demonstrated the effects of hypernatremia on mortality among CVD patients, and three studies demonstrated the mechanisms underlying salt-induced hypertension. The research employs a random effects model represented by Forest plots. The meta-analysis results indicated that hypernatremia significantly increases blood pressure in CVD patients (95% CI: 0.24 to 16.33; p=0.04; OR: 8.29). Hypernatremia also increased mortality in patients with CVD (95% CI, 1.48 to 3.83; p=0.0003; OR, 2.40). Hypernatremia causes arterial wall stiffness and contributes to alterations in blood pressure (95% CI: 1.48–3.83; p=0.02; OR: 0.51). Therefore, managing hypernatremia in patients with CVD may prevent complications, such as mortality and severe hypertension.