Q: what should happen if a patient's potassium level is <9.0?

Unclear: Serum potassium normals are 3.5 to 5.2, depending on the lab methodology. Levels of over 6 and under 3 will both cause serious consequences; see your doctor for further evaluation if you have abnormal lab values.

Q: bloodtest said my potassium level was high what can the side effects fromthis be?

May be error: Elevated potassium can be cause by any number of things. A common cause of a blood sample that wasn't prepared correctly. If the blood sample was hemolyzed, potassium levels can rise. Certain medicines can cause elevated potassium. Side effects are minimal. High levels of potassium can cause heart rhythm problems. Make sure you follow up with your physician.

Question 1

is a potassium level of 4.0 mmol/l low ?

Accepted Answer

It is not: Normal potassium 3.8-5.0 mmol/l in most labs.

Question 2

is there a way to quickly lower my potassium level?

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 3

do you think having a potassium level of 5.4 is dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Potassium 5.4: Potassium 5.4 is not dangerous. However, that value leaves little margin for diet potassium, so you must restrict potassium foods

Question 4

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 5

why do infants have a higher potassium level?

Accepted Answer

SEVERAL REASONS: This is common in right after birth in extremely premature infants, this may be due to ranal insufficency or decreased production of urine, and other kidney diseases may cause it as well
if the infant is on IV fluids that can cause it too, and rarely addison disease in infants can cause high pottasium level.

Question 6

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 7

can i raise potassium level too high by eating tomatos?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: If your kidneys are good, you will, excrete extra.
Would take a basketful of tomatoes to affect!
even taking potassium pills, it is slow to raise potassium in the situation of normal kidneys.
Auto regulation mechanisms

Question 8

what should happen if a patient's potassium level is <9.0?

Accepted Answer

Unclear: Serum potassium normals are 3.5 to 5.2, depending on the lab methodology. 
Levels of over 6 and under 3 will both cause serious consequences; see your doctor for further evaluation if you have abnormal lab values.

Question 9

please suggest what foods help to lower high potassium level?

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 10

bloodtest said my potassium level was high what can the side effects fromthis be?

Accepted Answer

May be error: Elevated potassium can be cause by any number of things.  A common cause of a blood sample that wasn't prepared correctly.  If the blood sample was hemolyzed, potassium levels can rise.  Certain medicines can cause elevated potassium.  Side effects are minimal.  High levels of potassium can cause heart rhythm problems.  Make sure you follow up with your physician.

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Doctor answers about:

What is a life threatening potassium level

A member asked:

Is a potassium level of 4.0 mmol/l low ?

A member asked:

Is there a way to quickly lower my potassium level?

A member asked:

Do you think having a potassium level of 5.4 is dangerous?

A member asked:

Is a blood potassium level of 3.6 too low?

A member asked:

Why do infants have a higher potassium level?

A member asked:

My blood potassium level was 3.4. is this dangerous?

A member asked:

Can i raise potassium level too high by eating tomatos?

A member asked:

What should happen if a patient's potassium level is <9.0?

A member asked:

Please suggest what foods help to lower high potassium level?

A member asked:

Bloodtest said my potassium level was high what can the side effects fromthis be?

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