Should heart valve surgery be done when sodium level is 127 or lower?

It is generally not recommended to perform heart valve surgery when the sodium level is 127 mEq/L or lower.

Low sodium levels, also known as hyponatremia, can disrupt the electrical signals in the heart and increase the risk of heart arrhythmias. During heart valve surgery, the heart is under stress, and any additional stress from hyponatremia can increase the risk of complications.

Therefore, it is important to correct the sodium level before the surgery. This can be done by administering intravenous fluids containing sodium or by restricting fluid intake. The goal is to maintain the sodium level within the normal range (135-145 mEq/L) before and during the surgery.

In some cases, heart valve surgery may be necessary even with a low sodium level if there is an immediate life-threatening condition, such as severe aortic stenosis. However, the risks of surgery are higher in such cases, and the decision to proceed with surgery must be made carefully after considering all the factors.