what should l do if l have a high potassium reading?

Question

or even a low reading?

is potassium controlled by diet?

Answer 1

You need to discuss this with your physician. Not just having a high or low potassium, I'm actually talking about even testing for potassium in the first place. Potassium is one of those blood tests that can fluctuate in the course of normal daily life, yet in certain conditions an abnormal potassium can be a sign of something life-threatening, or even be life threatening by itself.

This means that nobody should be getting potassium levels without discussing it with a doctor first, because it could be completely normal or a life-threatening emergency. Getting advice on abnormal potassium levels without talking to your doctor is a sure recipe for disaster.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

If you have a high potassium, you should go to your doctor ASAP. High level of potassium is very dangerous. I can cause irregular heart beat and if not controlled immediately you will end up having a heart attack.

The concentration of potassium in the body is regulated by the kidneys, and balance is maintained through excretion in urine. When the kidneys are functioning normally, the amount of potassium in the diet is usually sufficient for use by the body and the excess is excreted. Chemical and hormonal influences also help regulate the internal potassium balance. When hyperkalemia ( high potassium level) occurs, there is an imbalance resulting from a dysfunction of these normal processes. Abnormally high levels of potassium in the blood suggest the presence of another underlying medical condition. Because potassium helps to regulate muscle activity, including the activity of heart (cardiac) muscle, hyperkalemia needs to be taken seriously.

My patients have kidney failure and they suffer from either of the two: high levels of potassium or low level of potassium. We always treat both as an emergency. If we don't the patient can die.

As I have suggested if you have high potassium, see the doctor and don't try to wait until you are very ill. If you have low potassium, you can manage this with your diet. I used to have low levels of potassium and I was on supplements for 3 day but that did not help my levels. What I did I ate raisins, nuts, bananas, chocolate, oranges all of which are rich in potassium. You can also access online what other medications will help with the potassium.

Answer 4

I agree with Jay W, if you're getting a potassium level it should be in connection with a medical professional. A high K level can be dangerous, as can a low K level. K levels can fluctuate during the day. It's normally excreted via the urine, so if you have no renal impairment there's usually not an issue with maintaining a normal K level (it's readily available in a large variety of foods. If your K level is chronically high your docotor will prescribe various medications, most of which increase your urine output so you eliminate more K.

Answer 5

HUH?

If it is high cut back on orange juice and bananas. And don't drink gaitoraid or sports drinks.
If you need more potassium eat more of those foods.