[ 11] A STUDY ON SERUM ELECTROLYTE (SODIUM & POTASSIUM) IMBALANCES AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH HYPERTENSION AMONG THE ELDERLY IN DARBHANGA, BIHAR: ARTICLE INFO: Date of Submission: Feb 25, 2026, Revised: Mar 08, 2026, Accepted: Mar 9 , 2026, CrossRef D.O.I : https://doi.org/10.56815/ijmrr.v5i3.2026.115-122. How To Cite: MD Junaid (2026). A Study on Serum Electrolyte (Sodium & Potassium) Imbalances and their Association with Hypertension among the Elderly in DARBHANGA, Bihar International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews. 5(3). 115-122.

Dr. MD Junaid

Authors

Dr. MD Junaid Department of Zoology, L.N. Mithila University, Darbhanga-846004, Bihar, India

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a major public health challenge among the elderly population in India. The role of serum electrolyte imbalances, particularly sodium and potassium, remains under-explored in the geriatric population of North Bihar [1, 2]. Objectives: To assess serum sodium and potassium levels in the elderly population of Darbhanga, Bihar, and to evaluate their association with hypertension [3]. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 elderly individuals (≥60 years) residing in various locations of Darbhanga city. Blood pressure was measured using standard protocols, and fasting serum sodium and potassium levels were estimated [4, 5]. Results: Out of 150 participants, 88 (58.7%) were hypertensive. The mean serum potassium level was significantly lower in the hypertensive group (3.72 ± 0.46 mEq/L) compared to the normotensive group (4.28 ± 0.40 mEq/L) (p<0.001). Serum sodium levels showed no significant difference. Hypokalemia was observed in 24 (27.3%) hypertensive compared to only 6 (9.7%) normotensives (p<0.01). Conclusion: A significant inverse association exists between serum potassium levels and hypertension in the elderly population of Darbhanga [11, 13].