GLOSSARY

Natriuresis is the excretion of sodium in the urine; the term is usually used for increased sodium excretion. Because water follows sodium, natriuresis is usually accompanied by diuresis (increased urine volume).

Causes

• Natriuretic peptides: ANP from the atria and BNP from the heart’s ventricles, released in response to stretch from increased blood volume.
• Pressure natriuresis: a rise in blood pressure increases sodium and water excretion; one of the long-term mechanisms of blood pressure control.
• Lower aldosterone and angiotensin II.
• Drugs: diuretics (loop, thiazide and potassium-sparing) and SGLT2 inhibitors.
• Renal dopamine and a high-salt meal.

Physiological Importance

Natriuresis helps the body excrete excess sodium from food and keep blood volume and blood pressure normal. In salt-sensitive people this process is slower, and a high salt intake raises their