What Causes High Potassium In Seniors?

Potassium is probably not something you think about every day, but for seniors, it’s a vitally important metric that can mean the difference between sickness and health, and even life and death.

When potassium levels become too high in a person’s body, especially if they are elderly, it can cause a condition called hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can cause serious health risks, up to and including, death.

Due to changes related to age, medications, and kidney function, seniors are more likely to experience this condition. Understanding what causes high potassium levels in elderly people can help you and your family watch out for this dangerous condition.

What Is Potassium? Why Is It Important For Seniors?

Potassium is a mineral that we all need in our bodies. It is an electrolyte, which means that it carries an electric charge, crucial for the functioning of your brain, muscles, and organs, especially the heart. We all need some potassium in our diets and bodies.

However, for seniors, maintaining proper potassium levels can be difficult. As we age, the body becomes less efficient at regulating electrolytes, like potassium. This can be compounded by conditions often associated with old age, such as kidney failure. Medication, hydration challenges, and other chronic conditions can also be factors.

In seniors in particular, regulating potassium is particularly important because it directly affects the heart. Hyperkalemia can lead to serious heart issues, including heart attacks.

Symptoms And Health Risks Associated With Elevated Potassium

Many people whose potassium is too high may not notice any symptoms at first, one of the reasons this condition is particularly scary. In general, it must be diagnosed through blood tests.

When symptoms are present, levels are usually becoming dangerously high. Symptoms can include:

• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Nausea
• Confusion or brain fog
• Numbness in the limbs

These symptoms are not particularly distinct and can also point toward other conditions. This is why careful monitoring is crucial.

Common Causes Of High Potassium In Elderly Adults

In most cases, elevated potassium levels do not have one single cause. Most of the time there are a number of factors that align to cause high potassium.

These factors include:

Kidney Function

The kidneys are organs that filter and clean the blood. They also help regulate minerals and electrolytes in the body, such as potassium. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, or are simply breaking down with age, this can lead to elevated levels. 

Medications

Several medications can increase potassium levels in the body, including blood pressure medications, diuretics, and some anti-inflammatory drugs. If you are taking any of these medications and are worried about high potassium, speak with your doctor.  

Diet

Diet plays a large role in potassium levels as well. Seniors may need to limit their intake of high-potassium foods. Keep in mind, salt substitutes, which are often used by the elderly, are often high in potassium.

Dehydration

It is easier for the elderly to become dehydrated than for the general population because of changes in the body as we age, as well as mobility issues. Dehydration increases potassium levels in the blood by increasing their concentration levels.

Chronic Conditions

Chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease, can all contribute to potassium irregularities through various bodily mechanisms. If you or your loved ones have any of these conditions, increased monitoring may be recommended.

Especially if you or your loved ones have multiple indicators above for high potassium, careful observation of levels is a good practice. 

How Monument Health Monitors Potassium Levels, Manages Diet, And Provides Professional Support

In all of our Monument Health’s skilled nursing facilities, potassium levels are closely monitored as a routine part of our senior care. Our care teams work closely with doctors, technicians, families, and other caregivers to ensure healthy blood levels for all our patients.

This monitoring also includes dietary assistance, medication monitoring, and other professional support. Nothing is more important to us than the health of our patients, and this includes monitoring of potassium and other blood levels.

For Comprehensive Skilled Nursing In Utah, Think Monument Health

If you or your loved ones in Utah are considering skilled nursing for long-term care, post-hospital care, or for another reason, Monument Health Group offers the premier facilities with a focus on patient-centered care. We offer multiple locations around the state so you and your loved ones can always be close to home.