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I was told my potassium levels are too high. What could cause this? I do not have kidney problems (main cause of elevated levels). I do eat a diet rich in veggies and fruit, but that does not normally cause potassium levels to rise in a healthy person. Do you think taking Fosamax could cause elevated levels? Thanks
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Are you eating a lot of "lite" or low sodium salt substitute? Otherwise I would look into drug, adrenal or metabolic issues. Is your doctor actively looking for a cause? Hyperkalemia (and other electrolyte mbalances) are not something you want to mess around with or "watch and wait".
"My friends, love is better than anger.
Hope is better than fear.
Optimism is better than despair.
So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic.
And we’ll change the world."
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Thanks for answering barbie. No, my Dr. did not suggest looking for an active cause, just handed me a list of foods, told me to quit eating avacado's ...and told me I could drop dead if it goes over 6.0. He didn't even suggest re-testing. I know potassium levels can be skewed by several factors, including the way the phlebotomist draws the blood. Needless to say, I am hunting for a new Dr. This has really un-nerved me. I am the picture of health.
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Sadie wrote:I was told my potassium levels are too high. What could cause this? I do not have kidney problems (main cause of elevated levels). I do eat a diet rich in veggies and fruit, but that does not normally cause potassium levels to rise in a healthy person. Do you think taking Fosamax could cause elevated levels? Thanks Did he tell you how high it was, or what the exact level is? You can also request a copy of the lab work for your records. If it was slightly higher than the average range, it could be why he didn't order more tests. Drugs like potassium sparing diuretics (some anti hypertensives) or birth control pills like Yaz can also cause it. But it's rarely from eating too many fruits/veggies with potassium. I eat tons of veggies/fruits most of the days, never red meat, and have normal potassium levels. I also get blood work done regularly. It could also be a false result, and should be retested just to make sure. A good doc would do that, or you can request it. I think you should get your lab report and seek another doctor's opinion. If it's close to being dangerously high, there are other tests that must be done. Maybe your doc didn't think it was necessary. But get your lab report.
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Potassium and sodium have this 'balance' thing going on. Maybe if you take in more sodium the potassium will go down.
Can hardly walk. Need hip replacement.
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Mine has always been low, which is as dangerous as high. Potassium regulates muscles and your heart is a muscle. Go see another doctor. I think spinach and some beans/legumes are high in it too. Just saw a baked potato is very high in potassium! http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/minerals/potassium/
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I have a copy of my lab report. Potassium is 5.5 It should be 5.0 or below. You're right DCNGA, too low is not good either. I was horrified when I looked at the list of high potassium foods. Winter squash, bannana's, tomatoes...anything that is high in nutritional value is also high in potassium. Miss J., I wonder if I pigged out on tortilla chips and salsa if it would go down? lol I am on the look out for a new Dr. BTW, the Internist I went to also had NO CLUE how to read some x-rays I had taken of my wrist. It scares me how incompetent he is.
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Yeah, definitely find a new doctor and get a second opinion asap.
"My friends, love is better than anger.
Hope is better than fear.
Optimism is better than despair.
So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic.
And we’ll change the world."
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Sadie wrote:I have a copy of my lab report. Potassium is 5.5 It should be 5.0 or below. You're right DCNGA, too low is not good either. I was horrified when I looked at the list of high potassium foods. Winter squash, bannana's, tomatoes...anything that is high in nutritional value is also high in potassium. Miss J., I wonder if I pigged out on tortilla chips and salsa if it would go down? lol I am on the look out for a new Dr. BTW, the Internist I went to also had NO CLUE how to read some x-rays I had taken of my wrist. It scares me how incompetent he is. I think it's very rare to have high potassium blood levels solely by eating alot of fruits/veggies high in potassium. If that was the case, many vegetarians would have that problem. Usually if it's caused by high consumption of these foods, the main cause would be a kidney problem. I think you should also rule that out. Did you have a kidney function test, for the GFR? That would tell you how well the kidneys are filtering out excess electrolytes, toxins, etc. I think calcium helps to decrease excess potassium as well, but don't know if it will do that just by ingestion of calcium. Sometimes it's given intravenously when someone has really high potassium. But it can't hurt to try and get a bit more calcium in your diet (up to daily limit for your age), in case you haven't done so. Also, make sure you drink enough water. Also if you are taking multi-vitamins make sure it's not too high in potassium. But still get a second opinion, there could be other underlying reasons why your potassium is higher than normal. I have read that excessive high impact excercise can also cause high potassium levels.
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I've been on Fosomax for 3 years and gained an inch in height (probably from being aware of my posture (scoliosis)
My last bone scan was in January, there was a definite inprovement in bone density and another 2 years I should be within normal range according to my doc.
BUT I don't like this drug for all the many side
effects but I'll keep taking it for the 2 two extra years.
It's like everything else including PS ~ you don't really know what you're getting into until it's OH crap time
jenny32301
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I had a full metabolic work-up and physical by a new Dr. last week. Her conclusion - I am in "pristine health". All my number's are right in the middle of where they should be, including my Potassium levels. She said raised potassium levels, when there are no other indicators of something wrong, generally are due to lab or phlebotomist error, and she will always retest. Apparently, that is what my problem was. She was disgusted that the other physician had not ordered new tests. So, it's back to a diet heavy in vegtables and fruits. Thanks to every one who weighed in on this.
Sadie
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Good news Sadie. I am happy for you, Happy munching!
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Glad you found a new doctor and everything is ok!
"My friends, love is better than anger.
Hope is better than fear.
Optimism is better than despair.
So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic.
And we’ll change the world."
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