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Symptoms of potassium deficiency in the elderly

Nov 13, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Guang
Introduction
In general, symptoms of potassium deficiency in the elderly include muscle weakness and paralysis, arrhythmias, gastrointestinal symptoms, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and urinary system symptoms. If any discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is recommended. Muscle weakness and paralysis occur because potassium ions play a crucial role in maintaining the resting membrane potential and excitability of muscle cells.

Generally, symptoms of potassium deficiency in the elderly include muscle weakness and paralysis, arrhythmias, digestive system symptoms, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and urinary system symptoms. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Muscle Weakness and Paralysis

Potassium ions play a crucial role in maintaining the resting membrane potential and excitability of muscle cells. When potassium is deficient, cellular excitability decreases and muscle contractility weakens, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.

2. Arrhythmias

The normal electrophysiological activity of cardiac muscle cells depends on appropriate potassium ion concentrations. Potassium deficiency increases myocardial excitability and automaticity while reducing conductivity, making arrhythmias more likely.

3. Digestive System Symptoms

Potassium ions are involved in regulating the contraction and relaxation of gastrointestinal smooth muscles. When potassium is deficient, the tone of gastrointestinal smooth muscles decreases, peristalsis slows down, and secretion of digestive fluids reduces, resulting in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension.

4. Neuropsychiatric Symptoms

Potassium ions are essential for maintaining normal nerve cell function. Potassium deficiency can impair neuronal excitability and conduction, leading to central nervous system dysfunction. This may manifest in elderly individuals as memory decline, difficulty concentrating, and low mood.

5. Urinary System Symptoms

The kidneys play a key role in regulating potassium excretion and reabsorption. In potassium deficiency, the concentrating ability of renal tubules is impaired, urine osmolality decreases, and urine output increases.

Elderly individuals with malnutrition should focus on a varied diet, adequate nutrient intake, appropriate physical activity, regular health check-ups, and cultivating healthy lifestyle habits in daily life.

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