What Do Elevated Potassium Levels Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 12 Mar 2015

Question: As a result of a recent blood test in hospital my potassium level was elevated 1st day 3.9, 2nd day 5.2. What does this indicate?
Also, of more concern - CFR - Non XXXXXXX Am. lst day 60, 2nd day 46.
I am 76 yrs female.
Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I read carefully your query and understand your concern.

Your pottasium level despite the fact that has elevated from day 1 to 2 ,it is yet in normal range.It is in the top edge of the normal range.
Normal range in adults is 3.5-5.1 mEq/L.

When this elevation in pottasium level within 1 day is associated with a significant decrease in GFR within 1 day may indicate a kidney damage.This should be confirmed with other investigations including :
-Kidney ultrasound
-urine examination for protein ,blood (proteinuria ,hematuria )
-Kidney function tests : Creatinine level, BUN level.

If you haven't had any kidney disease before, the cause might be related to drugs, bladder outflow obstruction etc.
You need a complete evaluation of your kidney function.

Since I don't have any information about medical history or present symptoms, it is difficult to say something more.

Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have other questions or doubts to clarify.I will be happy to help you.

Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati

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