What symptoms can occur in elderly patients with low potassium levels?
Disease description:
Today, I took my elderly family member for a routine physical examination, and one of the test reports indicated low potassium levels. What symptoms might an elderly person experience with hypokalemia?
Doctor's answer (2)
Dr. Kou Linlin
Common symptoms of hypokalemia in elderly patients include cardiac arrhythmias, generalized fatigue, lethargy, and muscle weakness. Since potassium ions play a key role in regulating the body’s water and electrolyte balance, some patients may also develop electrolyte imbalances, manifesting as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating. Hypokalemia can impair nervous system function to varying degrees; in severe cases, it may lead to confusion, dizziness, or even coma.
