Abnormal Renal Function and Electrolyte Disturbances in Older People

The decline in renal and cardiac function with advancing age predisposes older people to abnormalities in renal function and electrolyte disturbances. The widespread availability of the estimated glomerular filtration rate has highlighted the high incidence of chronic kidney disease in the elderly, which is supported by data demonstrating that the elderly are the largest cohort undergoing kidney dialysis in the general population. Older people are also susceptible to electrolyte disturbances, especially if they have concomitant diseases, such as heart failure, and are receiving diuretics and blockers of the renin‐angiotensin system. Management of these patients requires skill, as well as realistic objectives. In this article we discuss some of the issues pertaining to renal and electrolyte abnormalities experienced by older people.