Why is low blood sodium (hyponatremia) a health concern for older adults?
Low blood sodium (hyponatremia) occurs when you have an abnormally low amount of sodium in your blood or when you have an excess of water in your blood. Low blood sodium is common in older adults, especially those who are hospitalized or living in long term care facilities. Older adults usually become ill with hyponatremia due to age-related causes that affect the way the body handles the balance of sodium and water such as: • Drinking too much water • Urinating less frequently • Changes in the kidneys, such as decreased kidney size or decreased blood flow through the kidneys • Taking certain medications, such as diuretics, antidepressants and pain medications • Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) • Addison’s disease, a condition affecting the adrenal gland • Severe vomiting or diarrhea • Liver failure (cirrhosis) • Kidney failure • Heart failure • Having high levels of anti-diuretic hormone, which causes you to retain water The signs and symptoms of hyponatremia vary. The only way a
