Blood test results

flauracat · 01-21-2004, 05:29 AM

My DH has suspected Stomach ulcer/s .He had a blood test to check his iron levels and He has just had to go for a second one as his potassium levels are elevated.
Does anyone know what this means .Thankyou

zuzu8 · 01-21-2004, 06:56 AM

Flauracat-
The normal potassium range for men, women, and children is from 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/liter, but may vary slightly from lab to lab. Normal ranges are usually reported next to your results in brackets. Your husband's blood level of potassium may be higher than normal for several reasons.
It may may occur if his kidneys or adrenal glands aren't working well.

More likely in your case, since he has suspected ulcers, internal bleeding can cause elevated potassium levels. Or if he is taking certain types of high-blood-pressure medicines that cause the body to hold onto extra potassium. (ACE inhibitors and potassium-sparing diuretics like spironolactone are examples).

zuzu xx

flauracat · 01-21-2004, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zuzu8

Flauracat-
The normal potassium range for men, women, and children is from 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/liter, but may vary slightly from lab to lab. Normal ranges are usually reported next to your results in brackets. Your husband's blood level of potassium may be higher than normal for several reasons.
It may may occur if his kidneys or adrenal glands aren't working well.

More likely in your case, since he has suspected ulcers, internal bleeding can cause elevated potassium levels. Or if he is taking certain types of high-blood-pressure medicines that cause the body to hold onto extra potassium. (ACE inhibitors and potassium-sparing diuretics like spironolactone are examples).

zuzu xx

Thanks for that.Can alcohol have an affect on these levels as well.He likes his drink!!!
He has just gone for another test but I wondered what they may be looking for.

zuzu8 · 01-21-2004, 07:13 AM

Alchohol overuse or heavy consumption usually causes potassium LOSS. But it certainly can aggravate an ulcer! And if his ulcer is bleeding, that could, as I mention above, cause his potassium levels to climb.

zuzu xx