what does high potassium in blood work mean?

Question

had blood work for chosterlal done and doc called said needed to recheck potassuim

Answer 1

Your doctor needs to re-run the potassium blood test to make sure your potassium is elevated. If so, you could have a serious problem. From the National Institute of Health -

Potassium has many functions in the body. It helps to regulate the activity of all muscle tissue -- smooth muscles (such as the muscles in the intestines), the muscles of the heart, and skeletal muscles.

Potassium is part of the enzyme reactions in digestion and metabolism. It is also part of homeostasis, the mechanism that maintains a balance between the many electrical and chemical processes of the body.

Almost all (98%) potassium in the body is found inside the cells (intracellular). Only about 2% occurs in the fluids outside of the cells (extracellular). Potassium can move into and out of cells.

Blood tests reflect only the extracellular potassium levels, and do not indicate the amount of potassium within the cells. Movement of potassium into or out of cells can change the blood potassium level (serum potassium) when there is no change in the total amount of potassium in the body.

Hyperkalemia occurs when the level of potassium in the bloodstream is higher than normal. This may be related to increase in total body potassium or excessive release of potassium from the cells into the bloodstream.

The kidneys normally excrete excess potassium from the body. Therefore, most cases of hyperkalemia are caused by disorders that reduce the kidneys' ability to excrete potassium. Insufficient kidney function may result from disorders including (but not limited to):

Acute kidney failure
Chronic kidney failure
Lupus nephritis
Rejection of a kidney transplant
Obstructive uropathy
Glomerulonephritis

The hormone aldosterone (see the aldosterone test) regulates kidney excretion of sodium and potassium. Lack of aldosterone can result in hyperkalemia with an increase in total body potassium. Addison's disease is one disorder that causes reduced aldosterone production.

Any time potassium is released from the cells, it may accumulate in the extracellular fluid and the bloodstream. Acidosis (acidic condition of the body) results in movement of potassium from inside the cells to the extracellular fluid.

Tissue trauma causes the cells to release potassium into the extracellular fluid. This includes:

Traumatic injury
Surgery
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Tumors
Burns
Hemolytic conditions (disorders that cause blood cells to burst)
Rhabdomyolysis from drug ingestion, alcoholism, coma, or certain infections

If kidney function is adequate, and sufficient amounts of aldosterone are present, tissue trauma alone rarely results in hyperkalemia. A normally functioning kidney will excrete the excess potassium that has been released from the cells.

Increased intake of potassium may cause hyperkalemia if kidney function is poor. Salt substitutes often contain potassium, as do many "low-salt" packaged foods. Hyperkalemia may be caused by medications, including medications that affect kidney function (potassium sparing diuretics, such as spironolactone, amiloride, or triamterene) and potassium supplements (especially intravenous potassium).

Hyperkalemia can have serious, potentially life-threatening effects on the body. A gradual increase in potassium, as may occur with chronic renal failure, may be better tolerated than a sudden increase. Slightly higher than normal potassium levels may be well tolerated by some persons with chronic renal failure.

Answer 2

High Potassium In Blood

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

2

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
what does high potassium in blood work mean?
had blood work for chosterlal done and doc called said needed to recheck potassuim

Answer 6

You should read "The Blood Pressure Solution" (also available in electronic format, watch the video presentation here: http://www.fixbloodpressure.com ) It's a very comprehensive step-by-step book that walks you through the natural remedies of high blood pressure. It provides you with a lot of information on what foods to eat, how you can acquire and prepare these foods, how you can change your lifestyle for the better, how to eliminate the toxins from your body, how to reduce stress, how you can check your blood pressure level the correct way etc.

The book is amazing in that it not only lowers your blood pressure without the help of medications; it also aids you in having a life that is healthy, happier, and less stressful. This book chanced my life.

Answer 7

Cholesterol screenings have nothing to do with your potassium. A high potassium can mean many things. If the phflembotomist drew the lab poorly, the sample could have been hemolyzed making your potassium high.