I have just had a blood test which showed slightly low potassium and cholesterol at 5.2 should I be concerned?

Question

Tests on sugar and thyroid levels were fine

Answer 1

I wouldn't be concerned about the potassium if it's only slightly outside the range. But are you sure about the cholesterol of 5.2? Check it again. Although this sounds more like a potassium level, you stated that yours is slightly low and a normal range is 3.5-5.5. So this can't be your potassium, according to you. Yours would have to be something like 3.3 or 3.4.

To the smartass from the U.K., do you even know where this person lives?

And someone suggested trying for a cholesterol level of zero. Cholesterol is a substance that occurs naturally in the body and is produced by the liver. You cannot have no cholesterol in your body and 5.2 is not a cholesterol level.

I have to side with Banzai on this one. Banzai & I use different reference ranges because there's variation from lab to lab, but we're on the money. The rest of you people have no idea what you're talking about and apparently don't even know what potassium and cholesterol are. And to the smartass from the UK, do you even know where this person lives? No, you don't.

Answer 2

Potassium is an essential mineral in the regulation of muscles and nerve endings. Its most important function is in regulating the electriacal impulses of the heart. There is no need to panic if it is slightly low, however you do need to find out why. There are many causes such as over use of drugs or alcohol, or a poor diet. Depending on where you are your cholesterol should also come as two figures. One cholesterol is good, the other is bad. Don't listen to the people who have said cholesterol doesn't get measured in decimal places, if it isn't then I've wasted several years of study to become a caridac nurse.

Answer 3

There are different reference ranges in cholesterol measurements in the UK to those in the US - in the UK the values are measured in mmol/L, not sure what the US measurement values are. In the UK, a blood cholesterol of 5.2mmol/L is very slightly elevated, but it would also depend on whether it was fasting or random. A slightly low potassium level shouldn't be a problem on it's own, but if there are other medical conditions to be taken into account whoever reviews your blood results will recommend the best course of action. Certain medication (particularly diuretics) can lower your potassium levels. Try eating a banana a day if you can - they are rich in potassium.

Answer 4

Natural Cholesterol Guide?

Answer 5

I think you're mistaken, your cholesterol is NOT 5.2... Maybe your potassium is (which is within normal), but no way in hell your cholesterol is 5.2 (they don't even measure cholesterol into decimal places). You got your potassium mixed up with your cholesterol.

The guy who said 'cholesterol up to 5.5 is normal' is clearly clueless and just talking out of his *** here... He has no idea what the hell he's saying.

WTF are you people saying? You have no idea what you're talking about. Normal POTASSIUM is measured in the range of 3.5-5.2 meq/L... CHOLESTEROL is measured in mg/dL and is normally between 160 and 200. If you don't know what you're talking about, please don't post.

Answer 6

Absolutely no need. Just chill out. Cholesterol levels upto 5.5 are considered normal. I think you should just watchout your diet and make sure you dont take too much of saturated fat. Do some regular exercise. Otherwise there is no reason to panic.

Answer 7

Your best bet is to get advice from your doctor about diet etc.I believe yours is high but not to high.I think 7 and above is very high.Also your practise nurse can help.

Answer 8

those of you who have said thats not a right cholestrol level are wrong,it is in the u.k,.I had mine just this morning and its 4.6.....so there!

Answer 9

try get 0 cholesteral