Potassium Deficiency in the Elderly

If you are suffering from potassium deficiency, it is medically referred to as hypokalemia. This deficiency occurs when the levels of potassium drops in the blood. This deficiency can cause a lot of health problems as potassium is an important element for proper working of the nervous system. In addition, potassium is also required for the working of muscles and proper functioning of the heart.

As a person ages, their food intake decreases. This leads to deficiency of several vitamins and minerals, including potassium. If a senior is suffering from deficiency of potassium the following symptoms will be seen:

• Fatigue

• Weakness of the muscles

• Cramps in the legs

• Skin rash

• Insomnia

• Mood swings

• Depression

• High levels of blood sugar

• Slow and irregular heartbeat

• Arrhythmia

• Weak bones

The main cause of deficiency of potassium in seniors is their diet. Many seniors use diuretics and this leads to salt and water from the blood being eliminated out of the body via urination. Diuretics are usually prescribed to seniors who are suffering from elevated blood pressure, liver diseases, heart failure and kidney diseases. Diuretics like thiazide and furosemide are prescribed to seniors and these two medications can lead to deficiency of potassium. However, seniors can also suffer from low levels of potassium in the body due to gastrointestinal infections that cause diarrhea and vomiting, or using too much laxative.

Usually when a senior is suspected of suffering from hypokalemia, a blood test is done to confirm the diagnosis. At times the urine can also be tested to check the presence of potassium. If a senior is diagnosed with hypokalemia, he or she needs immediate medical help. The doctor will intravenously give the person potassium supplements if the condition is several. Alternatively, the person may be asked to tablets of the supplement if the deficiency is mild to moderate. In addition, the person will be asked to consume a potassium-rich diet. Foods like tomatoes, banana, milk, potatoes and figs are rich source of potassium.

Kum Martin is an online leading expert in elderly care. He also offers top quality articles like:
Dementia Types, Alzheimers and Coffee

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