Question 1

is there a home test to check potassium levels?

Accepted Answer

Not that I know of: There is no home test that i can find.

Question 2

i was put on the bp medicine losartan. no blood work was done to check potassium levels or checked for dehydration. should i be concerned? i saw online that electrolytes should be checked/balanced first due to this med can cause high potassium lvls?

Accepted Answer

: It is difficult to determine your risk for electrolyte derangement without knowing the rest of your medical history, or other medications that you are taking. Contact your doc next week, or book a tele-health visit to discuss with a doc who can review your history and order labs if necessary.

Question 3

is fasting required before blood test to check potassium level?

Accepted Answer

No: Fasting may be needed if  cholesterol and glucose level is ordered, but not necessary for potassium level.

Question 4

a previous doctor on health tap mentioned that checking potassium levels on flecainide is important - my question is why and how often?

Accepted Answer

Flecainide and K: Flecainide is a type 1C anti arrhythmic drug for the top and bottom part of your heart.  There is an increased risk for proarrhythmia (other abnormal rhythms) if hypokalemia (low K) is present. Certain foods/medications can increase or decrease K levels.  The frequency is determined by your cardiologist depending on your diet, lifestyle and existing medications.

Question 5

last time my levels were checked my un was at 3, and my potassium was at 2.1. i have been checked for diabetes. i am 8 mths pregnant & hypothyroidism.

Accepted Answer

Low potassium : you should be on prenatal vitamins and see your OBGYN regularly.  Your thyroid levels can be checked regularly as well.  When was your potassium last checked?  A BUN of 3 is fine. Good luck and feel better!

Question 6

my potassium levels are consistently low so doc wants to order blood tests to check aldosterone & renin blood levels. i'm on propranolol. is that ok?

Accepted Answer

Follow with Doc: It appears your Dr. is at least aware of your Hypokalemia (Low K), so continue to follow-up with the tests she/he is getting and assure that eventually the reason for your Low K is diagnosed and properly treated.  Best wishes.

Question 7

was in hospital er to pass a kidney stone. my potassium level was checked and slightly below reference range (3.5) 3.6-5.1.. was also on augmentin.

Accepted Answer

See below: All laboratory results need to be interpreted in the clinical context and the doctor who ordered the tests is usually in the best position to do that. Having said that, your potassium level is at the low end of normal and you can take care of it with eating bananas.
For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form.  Drink enough water daily so that your urine is mostly colorless.
Practice safe sex.

Question 8

what raises potassium levels ?

Accepted Answer

Foods or salt subst: There are plenty of high potassium containing fruits & vegetables like bananas or spinach. Potassium salt substitute is another way to raise level.

Question 9

is 5.6 level of potassium risky?

Accepted Answer

Yes: High potassium levels cause the haert to become flaccid. See you doctor immediately.

Question 10

what are normal potassium levels?

Accepted Answer

3.6-5 meq/L: Milliequivalent per liter or millimol/liter (mmol/l). If you live outside the us in a country that uses milligram/dl the number will be different. You need to know your potassium since it is very important if you have kidney disease.

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Doctor answers about:

How to check potassium levels at home

A member asked:

Is there a home test to check potassium levels?

A member asked:

I was put on the bp medicine losartan. no blood work was done to check potassium levels or checked for dehydration. should i be concerned? i saw online that electrolytes should be checked/balanced first due to this med can cause high potassium lvls?

A member asked:

Is fasting required before blood test to check potassium level?

A member asked:

A previous doctor on health tap mentioned that checking potassium levels on flecainide is important - my question is why and how often?

A member asked:

Last time my levels were checked my un was at 3, and my potassium was at 2.1. i have been checked for diabetes. i am 8 mths pregnant & hypothyroidism.

A member asked:

My potassium levels are consistently low so doc wants to order blood tests to check aldosterone & renin blood levels. i'm on propranolol. is that ok?

A member asked:

Was in hospital er to pass a kidney stone. my potassium level was checked and slightly below reference range (3.5) 3.6-5.1.. was also on augmentin.

A member asked:

What raises potassium levels ?

A member asked:

Is 5.6 level of potassium risky?

A member asked:

What are normal potassium levels?

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