Potassium

O

Orihime

New member


When I have my routine blood tests, my potassium is always high, outside the Reference Range. My doctor says not to worry about it. I've been staying away from foods with potassium, like bananas, tomatoes etc. but it stays high.

I would like to know what happens if it gets too high, I mean what would happen to your health? What is bad about high potassium?

Does anyone know what the risks are if the potassium gets too high.

Someone told me they give you diuretic pills which "wash out" the potassium. I'm worried about that since I'm allergic to diuretic pills (extreme swelling of eyes)
 
Much will depend on how high above the normal range your potassium is.

A high level in the blood is known as hyperkalemia. Remember, potassium is an electrolyte that helps keep proper functioning of nerves, circulation, muscles, digestive, essential for the heart.

Potassium level above 5 is considered high. A 7 or higher is severe.

Too high potassium can cause cardiac arrhythmia, slow or weak pulse, chest pain or palpitations.

Smooth muscles as well as those in the digestive system are affected by too high potassium. Could cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or tummy discomfort. Absorption of essential nutrients may be hindered.

Too high potassium can affect the nervous system, skeletal muscles, kidneys.

Some medications may cause too high potassium level. Check out all the meds you take and see if any of them are contributing to the high level.

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Misty, Thank you for your reply.
On my last report the reference was 3.5 - 5.2 --- mine was 5.8
On the previous one (a different lab) the reference was 3.5 - 5.5 --- mine was 5.5
I looked back a few years and my potassium seems to go up and down a lot. Sometimes down to 4.7. mostly always around 5.5.

I do have problems with arrhythmia. nausea and diarrhea. I had almost daily nausea for a few years but my gastro doctor put me on some pills a few months ago and the nauseau is now completely gone. Arrhytmia is under control, just now and then little episodes of a few minutes - racing heart. But the diarrhea is my biggest problem. Always again and again and I can't figure out from what. I even had a colonoscopy and everything is fine.

Actually, these problems I have for many years already, even before my potassium was high.

Do you think my potassium is something to worry about?

Thank you.
Laura
 
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