Serum potassium, magnesium, sodium and chloride levels in elderly population

Abstract EN

A total of 110 elderly patients aged 72 + 6.5 years (62 males and 48 females) were prospectively studied.

Measurements of serum potassium, magnesium, sodium and chloride were done and the effects of biological factors (age, sex, weight) and a large set of pathological conditions were examined.

For comparison; another 100 subjects (63 males and 37 females) whom were found free of any disease and / or alcoholic and smoking habits considered as a control group.

Their age range was 68 + 8 years.

Results showed a significant decreased (P< 0.05) in the concentration of serum potassium level in hypertensive and in patients with renal failure.

While a significant increased (P < 0.05) was correlated with myocardial infarction.

No significant alteration in the concentration of plasma potassium was found in other pathologic populations. Serum magnesium level was significantly lowered (P<0.05) in diabetic patients, however, its value was unchanged among other pathological conditions. Low serum sodium value was observed in association with renal failure.

Other pathological conditions had no effects on serum sodium level.

Decreased concentration of serum chloride was observed mainly in renal failure.

No significant changes in serum chloride levels were found in relation to other pathological conditions.

Therefore our data suggest that, the decrease of potassium, magnesium sodium and chloride levels in the aged population is either merely related to an age- associated pathology or may be a normal physiological event occurring during the process of aging.