Question 1

is a blood potassium of 4.7 high?

Accepted Answer

JUST BARELY: Many potential causes, most of them benign. Sometimes, re checking it is all that's needed.

Question 2

what causes chronically low blood potassium levels?

Accepted Answer

Few mechanisms: 1. Low intake in food  2. Loss in secretions- urine, gastrointestinal-vomitus and stool, sweat 3.Increased traslocation of k in to the cells in certain conditions eg. Insulin excess, mineralocorticoid( aldosterone - a hormone secreted by adrenal gld.) excess are associated with low potassium.There is a genetically acquired condition called periodic hypokalemic syndrome characterized by low k level.

Question 3

can you please help to lower the potassium levels in my blood?

Accepted Answer

Nephrologist: Potassium balance is tightly regulated by the kidneys, so any potassium disorder implies some derangement in potassium handling. If you have high potassium problems, you must consult nephrologist. 
Please see this website for info on low potassium diet.
http://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/potassium.cfm.

Question 4

my potasium was 3.3 the range from 3.5 - 5.1is normal  what other blood result can effects  it & what should i know about potassium?

Accepted Answer

Major mineral: Potassium is the major positively charged mineral ion inside your cells. A low blood potassium ("K") can reflect low total body stores; low total body stores could manifest as weakness. In the extreme case, you could have heart conduction abnormalities. In almost every situation imaginable, it is desireable to get your potassium up. Be well!

Question 5

is a blood potassium level of 3.6 too low?

Accepted Answer

Consider diet change: The normal range for blood potassium levels are 3.6 - 5.2 millimoles or meq per liter. A value of 3.6 is on the lower side of the scale, indicating lower potassium levels. I would advise potassium supplementation, eat more bananas, figs, and even green vegetables. Schedule new laboratories in 5-6weeks to monitor levels then proceed according to results.

Question 6

do i need to fast for a potassium blood test?

Accepted Answer

No: Fasting is to check glucose and triglyceride levels.

Question 7

could low blood potassium cause shortness breath?

Accepted Answer

No: Electrolyte abnormalities do not typically cause shortness of breath; sometimes very low calcium levels and low magnesium levels and low phosphate levels can be associated with muscle weakness which could affect the diaphragm causing shortness of breath.  This is uncommon.

Question 8

my blood potassium level was 3.4. is this dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Not usually: Low needs to be supplemented can aggravate effects of some medications. If on diuretic potassium supplementation indicated. Otherwise dietary supplementation ie bananas helpful.

Question 9

what does high potassium levels in the blood indicate?

Accepted Answer

High potassium: Many conditions can cause high potassium levels in the blood.  Among these are: disorders of the adrenal glands,  hemolysis of red blood cells, breakdown of muscles following trauma.

Other causes are chronic kidney disease, diabetic ketoacidosis, or acidosis of any type, use of ace-inhibitors, or angiotensin blockers and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory  agents.

Question 10

are salt levels and potassium levels in the blood related?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and no.: Sodium and potassium are both positive elements that when combined with negative chloride molecules make salts that are both important parts of serum, and potassium in particular an important element in red blood cells (nb: sea water is very similar in composition to our blood).  Abnormalities of potassium (hypo or hyperkalemia) or sodium (hypo/hypernatremia) are very distinct entities.

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A member asked:

Is a blood potassium of 4.7 high?

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What causes chronically low blood potassium levels?

A member asked:

Can you please help to lower the potassium levels in my blood?

A member asked:

My potasium was 3.3 the range from 3.5 - 5.1is normal what other blood result can effects it & what should i know about potassium?

A member asked:

Is a blood potassium level of 3.6 too low?

A member asked:

Do i need to fast for a potassium blood test?

A member asked:

Could low blood potassium cause shortness breath?

A member asked:

My blood potassium level was 3.4. is this dangerous?

A member asked:

What does high potassium levels in the blood indicate?

A member asked:

Are salt levels and potassium levels in the blood related?

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