A member asked:

Should i be concerned with the serum results: anion gap 6.9 potassium 2.7?

5 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Dr. James Shoemaker answered

Specializes in General Practice

Hypokalemia: Call your doctor at once--you have dangerously low potassium and are susceptible to potentially fatal heart problems. If you can, have a banana or two or some fruitjuice immediately. Later, the cause of your condition must be determined: hormones, medications, diet or something else!

Answered 3/8/2013

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Dr. Jason Cogdill answered

Specializes in Nephrology and Dialysis

Low potassium, hypoK: Potassium <3 is very abnromal. Two places the body losses potassium are the gut or the kidney. Kidney losses are hormone, medication, or acid/base related. Gut losses are usually from loose stools or vomiting. There are medications to address either scenario, but more important in the long term is to find out why this is happening. Talk to your doctor, if he/she isn't sure.. See a specialist.

Answered 10/4/2016

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Lab results concerns: Yes, these are concerning. The potassium is very low and you may experience muscle weakness, cramps, and heart rhythm disturbances, including premature ventricular beats and even VTACH. Finding the cause matters. The cause must be identified and fixed. Meanwhile you need high levels of potassium intake daily. The anion gap is low and this may mean serum protein balance is off. Requires eval.

Answered 5/21/2016

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