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What Causes Elevated Potassium Levels?
My son has high potassium levels in lab work plus when repeated in 2 week timeframe, his hemoglobin got lower also. He is a heart patient with congenital heart disease. Has TGA, had surgery at age 14 months. We were told to see a surgeon for consultation.
Tue, 25 Sep 2018
Hi,
Elevated blood potassium levels can be due to:
- Kidney disease
- Adrenal gland deficiency
- Excessive use of oral potassium supplements
- Rupture of red blood cells in the blood sample during or after a blood is drawn
The ruptured red blood cells leak potassium into the sample. This falsely raises the amount of potassium in the blood sample. Here are age-related values for the lowest normal hemoglobin levels:
@ 6 months-4 years 11.0
@ 5-7 years 11.5
@ 8-11 years 12.0
@ 12-14 years 12.5
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Arnold Zedd,
Pediatrician
Elevated blood potassium levels can be due to:
- Kidney disease
- Adrenal gland deficiency
- Excessive use of oral potassium supplements
- Rupture of red blood cells in the blood sample during or after a blood is drawn
The ruptured red blood cells leak potassium into the sample. This falsely raises the amount of potassium in the blood sample. Here are age-related values for the lowest normal hemoglobin levels:
@ 6 months-4 years 11.0
@ 5-7 years 11.5
@ 8-11 years 12.0
@ 12-14 years 12.5
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Arnold Zedd,
Pediatrician
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