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What Causes Electrolyte Imbalance In A Patient With Congestive Heart Failure?

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Posted on Wed, 28 Jun 2017
Question: My 87-yr-old mother has extremely low magnesium, potassium and sodium. She has COPD and congestive heart failure. Are these conditions related to each other?
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (36 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
possible

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome.

Heart failure may be indirectly related to electrolyte imbalance as we can see in case of your mother.
Heart failure will cause reduced oxigenation of kidneys and bowels where potassium and magnesium are adsorbed. COPD may lead to hypoxy as well.
However, more common causes of lack of potassium are kidney disorders and adrenal glands malfunction so these should be checked as well.
Adrenal glands can be checked by doin ghormonal tests (cortisole and aldosteron tests).
Also, there may be inadequate potassium/magnesium intake in her diet.
She should have more vegetables and fruits which is rich in these nutrients.
If this wont be enough she should take supplements orally.
LAst, as an acute cause of electrolyte imbalance we define intensive loss of body fluids through dehydration, vomiting or diahhreas so if this was present, then her condition is not surprising,
I hope I have answered you query. If you have any further questions you can contact us in every time.
Kindly regards. Wish you a good health.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 13886 Questions

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What Causes Electrolyte Imbalance In A Patient With Congestive Heart Failure?

Brief Answer: possible Detailed Answer: Hi and welcome. Heart failure may be indirectly related to electrolyte imbalance as we can see in case of your mother. Heart failure will cause reduced oxigenation of kidneys and bowels where potassium and magnesium are adsorbed. COPD may lead to hypoxy as well. However, more common causes of lack of potassium are kidney disorders and adrenal glands malfunction so these should be checked as well. Adrenal glands can be checked by doin ghormonal tests (cortisole and aldosteron tests). Also, there may be inadequate potassium/magnesium intake in her diet. She should have more vegetables and fruits which is rich in these nutrients. If this wont be enough she should take supplements orally. LAst, as an acute cause of electrolyte imbalance we define intensive loss of body fluids through dehydration, vomiting or diahhreas so if this was present, then her condition is not surprising, I hope I have answered you query. If you have any further questions you can contact us in every time. Kindly regards. Wish you a good health.