Does anyone know what it means when your potassium level is elevated? Mine is 5.9 and it supposed to be between 3.5- 5.3...it's not very high, but just curious.
thanks,
worryworttx
:)

I hope they have given you something to lower it.

Too much potassium in the body can cause a cardiac arrest. It's an essential electrolyte in the fuction of your heart. 5.9 is not outrageously high, but it's high, and can cause major problems.

If you haven't been given something to treat that, I STRONGLY suggest you head to the nearest urgent care center and get some medication.

Also not enought potassium can put you in the hosp.It did me when mine dropped too low..........

Does anyone know what it means when your potassium level is elevated? Mine is 5.9 and it supposed to be between 3.5- 5.3...it's not very high, but just curious.
thanks,
worryworttx
:)
Elevated potassium can occur when you have gallbladder disorder, kidney function disorder, or when you have consumed too much salt too rapidly over a short period of time. Potassium overload over an extended period of time will cause kidney failure. If you are not experiencing shortness of breath or other immediate symptoms, then an appointment with your doctor for kidney function tests and Cardiac check up is in order. If you know you have gallbladder disease, you may want to discuss whether or not it would be better to have the gallbladder removed. At any rate, another check up is warranted if your doctor has not already done this. A low potassium diet is very difficult to follow because almost every food you eat has a little potassium in it. The majority of things that have a lot of potassium in them are fruits and vegetables which we are told we should eat because they are generally good for us. Check with your doctor.

Hey guy's wanted to thank you all for your caring on my potassium level. I actually went and got new blood test and my potassium was completley normal 4.3. I can't believe that by just having a turnic on your arm for a lenghtly time and them not shaking the vile could alter tests so much. I was truely scared after reading the posts and the internet. But thanks to you guy's and the grace of God. :wave:
Worrytx

the new guidlines on phlebotomy (blood draw) says that pumping your fist while having a blood draw can increase your potassium level, so next time tney do a blood draw, do not pump your fist!!

Springbreak,

That's an interesting new piece of info. Thanks...am going to read up more on this. Every nurse I know always insists on pumping!

zuzu xxx