Aldosterone causes the kidneys to retain sodium and to excrete potassium. When sodium is retained, less urine is produced, eventually causing blood volume to increase. The pituitary gland secretes vasopressin sometimes called antidiuretic hormone. Vasopressin causes the kidneys to conserve water. Decreased thirst: As people age, they sense thirst less quickly or less intensely and thus may not drink fluids when needed.
Changes in the kidneys: Aging kidneys may become less able to reclaim water and electrolytes from the urine concentrate urine , and, as a result, more water may be excreted in urine.
Less fluid in the body: In older people, the body contains less fluid. This change means that a slight loss of fluid and sodium, as can result from a fever or from not eating and drinking enough sometimes for only a day or two , can have more serious consequences in older people. Inability to obtain water: Some older people have physical problems that prevent them from getting something to drink when they are thirsty.
Others may have dementia Dementia Dementia is a slow, progressive decline in mental function including memory, thinking, judgment, and the ability to learn. Typically, symptoms include memory loss, problems using language and These people may have to depend on other people to provide them with water. Drugs: Many older people take drugs for high blood pressure High Blood Pressure High blood pressure hypertension is persistently high pressure in the arteries.
Often no cause for high blood pressure can be identified, but sometimes it occurs as a result of an underlying Urination and thirst are The above situations can result in losing fluid or not consuming enough fluid and thus can cause a high sodium level in blood hypernatremia Hypernatremia High Level of Sodium in the Blood In hypernatremia, the level of sodium in blood is too high. Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, burns, kidney failure, and use of diuretics may cause dehydration.
People feel thirsty, and as dehydration Because these situations are more common among older people, hypernatremia is also more common among them. Hypernatremia is poorly tolerated by older people and can result in confusion, coma, and death if severe. Excess fluid and sodium also occur more commonly in older people because disorders that usually result in excess fluid fluid overload Overhydration Overhydration is an excess of water in the body.
A low sodium level in blood hyponatremia Hyponatremia Low Level of Sodium in the Blood In hyponatremia, the level of sodium in blood is too low. Hyponatremia usually results when the body retains too much fluid, as occurs in heart failure or liver disease. Go to the global navigation. Go to navigation by category. Go to the footer. Rehydration What are electrolytes ions?
Electrolytes produce ions and enable the body to function Body fluid contains electrolytes, chemicals which, when they dissolve in water, produce charged ions. Potassium ions Transmit nerve signals, and contract muscles including the heart, etc.
Magnesium ions Contract muscles, form bones and teeth, activate enzymes, etc. Current as of: September 23, Gabica MD - Family Medicine. Author: Healthwise Staff. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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Top of the page. Test Overview A sodium test checks how much sodium is in the blood. Low sodium levels have many causes, such as heart failure, malnutrition, and diarrhea. Why It Is Done A sodium blood test is done to: Check on the mix of water and certain minerals in the body. Find the cause of symptoms from low or high levels of sodium. Check on the progress of diseases of the kidneys or adrenal glands. How To Prepare In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to.
How It Is Done A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm. How long the test takes The test will take a few minutes.
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