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Hello, I Have Had Higher Than Normal Blood Potassium Levels
Question: Hello, I have had higher than normal blood potassium levels for a couple of years, normally around 5.6. Recently my doctor's office called with my last result of 6.4. Alarmed he had me retake it a week later and it was 5.5. I'm wondering of the higher reading might have been a testing error. That seems like an incredible drop in a weeks time with no change in diet or medications.
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to 'Ask a Doctor' service!
I understand your concern and would agree with you on the fact that lab error may have occurred.
Did you have any symptoms like weakness, nausea or tingling in your limbs a week ago when you performed this test? These symptoms would be suggestive of high potassium levels.
Dehydration can also cause such lab findings.
Anyway, I recommend taking plenty of water in the next days and check again after a week's potassium plasma levels.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need it!
Kind regards,
Dr.Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to 'Ask a Doctor' service!
I understand your concern and would agree with you on the fact that lab error may have occurred.
Did you have any symptoms like weakness, nausea or tingling in your limbs a week ago when you performed this test? These symptoms would be suggestive of high potassium levels.
Dehydration can also cause such lab findings.
Anyway, I recommend taking plenty of water in the next days and check again after a week's potassium plasma levels.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
I remain at your disposal for any further questions whenever you need it!
Kind regards,
Dr.Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thank you Dr. Sharka,
That is very helpful. I've had no symptoms and drink 80oz of water per day at a body weight of 157. I'll repeat the test next week.
That is very helpful. I've had no symptoms and drink 80oz of water per day at a body weight of 157. I'll repeat the test next week.
Brief Answer:
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Thank you for the additional information!
It seems more likely a lab error.
Anyway, I would encourage you to follow a diet with low potassium and plenty of water ( as you are taking now).
Let me know in case of any other questions!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Iliri
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Thank you for the additional information!
It seems more likely a lab error.
Anyway, I would encourage you to follow a diet with low potassium and plenty of water ( as you are taking now).
Let me know in case of any other questions!
Wishing all the best,
Dr.Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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