Potassium Deficiency in the Elderly

Potassium deficiency is referred to as hypokalemia. In this case, the blood contains low levels of potassium. This can cause some health problems as an important potassium for proper nervous system functioning, regulating heart function and facilitating muscle movement.

Many parents suffer from potassium deficiency as they age. Some of the symptoms of low potassium levels seen in parents are as follows:

• Extreme fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle cramp
• Rash on skin
• Nervous disorders
• Sleep or insomnia
• Slow down heart rate
• Depression
• Emotional change
• High blood sugar levels
• Weak bone

This deficiency is common in older people because their diet does not contain sufficient amount of elements. This is a risk when parents are given diuretic medications. Diuretics are often prescribed for health conditions such as high blood pressure, liver disease, kidney disease, and heart failure. Also, diarrhea and vomiting are too much because digestive tract infections can cause the body to lose potassium. Older people can also lose a lot of water and potassium when they use excess laxatives.

If parents are suspected of having low levels of potassium, then blood and urine tests will be ordered by your doctor. While the doctor is waiting for the test results, the person will be given an IV for rehydration. In the worst case, the person will be given a potassium pill. The whole situation of the person will be closely monitored. Thereafter, the right-handers will be advised to take potassium-rich foods to reduce future deficiencies.

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