The Study of Electrolyte Abnormalities and Renal Dysfunction on Elderly Patients with Systolic Heart Failure

In patients with chronic heart failure, balance abnormalities of the serum sodium and potassium levels and renal dysfunction commonly occurs. This study aimed to determine the amount of electrolyte abnormalities and renal dysfunction in elderly patients with systolic heart failure. This was a descriptive-analytical study. The study population included all the hospitalized patients who diagnosed with heart failure. A hundred and fifty four patients who had the inclusion criteria were selected using census sampling method during 2003 to 2008. The data analyzed using descriptive-analytical statistical method. The subjects had 34.4% creatinine level of more than 1.5 mg/dl, 16.2% hyponatermia and 9.1% hyperkalemia. Serum creatinine level was associated with hospitalization duration (P = 0.002), sex (P = 0.041), liver cirrhosis (P = 0.004) and mortality (P = 0.000). Serum potassium level was associated with creatinine level (P = 0.35), systolic blood pressure (P = 0.042), diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.046), number of comorbidities (P = 0.044), CVA (cerebrovascular accidents) (P = 0.001), taking diuretics (P = 0.006), and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) (P = 0.041). Serum sodium level was associated with comorbidities (P = 0.034). The present study showed that the clinical status of elderly patients with systolic heart failure was poor based on the hemodynamic status, electrolyte balance and renal condition. Providing comprehensive self-care training for elderly patients with systolic heart failure seems necessary in order to improve the heart disease outcomes. Nurses, therefore can reduce the hospitalization duration and improve the quality of life of the patients conducting appropriate interventions and self-care training measures.