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Is Potassium Level Of 5.7 A Cause For Concern?

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Posted on Mon, 27 Feb 2017
Question: 2 weeks ago for a routine blood test my potassium level was 4.6 and then when I had another blood test for another doctor yesterday it came back as 5.7. Should I be concerned?
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Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (31 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
it depends...

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

the answer depends on various factors. Why was the test repeated? Do you take any drugs that may have affected it? For example starting an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker may cause potassium levels elevation. Do you have chronic kidney disease? What's your medical history?

For a patient with chronic kidney disease a rising potassium can be worrisome. For a normal individual it may even be a false rise caused by hemolysis of red blood cells in the tube the blood was stored. So you have to tell me more about your history, the drugs you're using and the reason you had this test...

Kind Regards!
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3810 Questions

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Is Potassium Level Of 5.7 A Cause For Concern?

Brief Answer: it depends... Detailed Answer: Hello, the answer depends on various factors. Why was the test repeated? Do you take any drugs that may have affected it? For example starting an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker may cause potassium levels elevation. Do you have chronic kidney disease? What's your medical history? For a patient with chronic kidney disease a rising potassium can be worrisome. For a normal individual it may even be a false rise caused by hemolysis of red blood cells in the tube the blood was stored. So you have to tell me more about your history, the drugs you're using and the reason you had this test... Kind Regards!