What Causes High Potassium Levels With History Of Kidney Stones?

Posted on Mon, 23 Jun 2014

Question: I've had a history of kidney stones. Recently, I've had pain in my left kidney area and feeling fatigued, a little dizziness, and my heart rate at times gets down to the low 50's. I'm curious about my potassium levels and kidney function. I seem to be urination fine. Would there be anything else to look for to indication hyperkalemia? I am making an appointment with my doctor tomorrow.

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (3 hours later)

Brief answer....chances of hyperkalemia look very remote.
Detailed answer....
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
Although high potassium levels in a person can occur because of various reasons but I don't think that your kidney stones would have resulted in kidney failure and ultimately high potassium levels.
Mildly high levels of potassium don't even cause any problem to the person.
Kidney stones can result in kidney failure provided both kidneys are damaged by the stones.Even if one kidney is damaged by the stones,other kidney would perform the normal functions and your potassium levels and kidney function tests would be normal.To think that both of your kidneys are damaged because of stones is a very far fetched thing,however the best thing to do is to get your kidney function tests done and clear any doubts in your mind.
I hope it helps however you may revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar