Watson Clinic Nephrologist Steven G. Achinger, MD, in collaboration with co-authors Dr. Ambuj Kumar and Dr. Athanasios Tsalatsanis at the University of South Florida and Dr. Juan Carlos Ayus at the University of California, has conducted a study regarding the threat of hyponatremia (a low blood sodium level) for patients who take thiazide diuretics. The study was recently published by the National Kidney Foundation's Kidney Medicine Journal and is available for public viewing for free at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xkme.2024.100941.

It is estimated that over 42 million Americans are currently taking thiazides, a class of drugs that are often prescribed to treat high blood pressure. This study, which included hundreds of thousands of patients between the ages of 40-90 who underwent thiazide therapy for high blood pressure, has implications for how the condition is treated. According to the new research, patients who develop low sodium levels, or hyponatremia, while taking the medication have an increased risk of mortality or serious infections such as sepsis, pneumonia and urinary tract infections.

“Our study shows that those who developed hyponatremia after initiating a thiazide medication had a 96% higher risk of mortality and a 95% higher risk of developing sepsis (a serious infection) when compared to those patients who did not have hyponatremia,” reports Dr. Achinger. "These findings are important because mild degrees of hyponatremia have previously been assumed to be harmless. However, our study should not be construed as meaning that these medications are not safe as the study was not designed to test their safety. In fact, thiazides have proven beneficial for patients all over the world. Patients and their healthcare providers should merely be aware of this potential complication when undertaking thiazide therapy."

“Despite what many people assume, diuretics can actually cause water retention, which is a common cause of hyponatremia," Dr. Achinger continues. "Therefore, excessive consumption of fluids while taking thiazide diuretics can lead to hyponatremia. This study shows that even mild degrees of hyponatremia while on diuretics may carry risks for patients.”

Based on the study's findings, it is recommended that patients ask their physician to monitor their blood sodium levels before and shortly after undergoing thiazide therapy. Also, patients should avoid drinking excessive amounts of water or other liquids while on these medications. Of course, one should always consult with their physician concerning their risks related to hyponatremia.

Appointments with Dr. Achinger may be scheduled by calling 863-680-7190.