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What Do My Potassium Levels Indicate?
Question: Potassium levels...should i be worried? Are they normal?
9/15/14 - 3.5
9/20/14 - 4.4
1/24/15 - 3.3
1/28/15 - 3.9
2/9/15 - 3.6
2/25/15 - 3.5
9/15/14 - 3.5
9/20/14 - 4.4
1/24/15 - 3.3
1/28/15 - 3.9
2/9/15 - 3.6
2/25/15 - 3.5
Hello,
most of the values are low-normal except one which is low (3.3). The importance of this finding depends on your medical history.
Using diuretic, having increased aldosterone, too much urine, diarrhea, renal problems may cause potassium losses.
I can't say which one because information from your history are needed.
The 3.3 value is not very low but investigation is needed.
Kind Regards!
most of the values are low-normal except one which is low (3.3). The importance of this finding depends on your medical history.
Using diuretic, having increased aldosterone, too much urine, diarrhea, renal problems may cause potassium losses.
I can't say which one because information from your history are needed.
The 3.3 value is not very low but investigation is needed.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Would all other number be normal and something be really wrong? Do you think this is dangerous?
Also was writing this when your note poppped up...
From my prior doc visits am wondering if I need to be concerned about my potassium here are the dates and levels...is this something concerning?
9/15/14 - 3.5
9/20/14 - 4.4
1/24/15 - 3.3
1/28/15 - 3.9
2/9/15 - 3.6
2/25/15 - 3.5
The scale they are using is 3.6 - 5.
No one ever mentioned to me that they were low until the other day (2/25) and said it was "nothing to worry about".
I did some searching and read about the bad stuff that can happen if potassium gets low.
Wondering why no one, not ANYONE said anything to me prior to the other day and that was ONLY because I saw everything in blue (on the computer in the room as nurse was entering info) and this one red number / line popped up in RED and I asked what it was and that's when she said about the low potassium.
I have found out totay I do not eat any potassium rich food (after researching online). Except the occassional banana ...
Also was writing this when your note poppped up...
From my prior doc visits am wondering if I need to be concerned about my potassium here are the dates and levels...is this something concerning?
9/15/14 - 3.5
9/20/14 - 4.4
1/24/15 - 3.3
1/28/15 - 3.9
2/9/15 - 3.6
2/25/15 - 3.5
The scale they are using is 3.6 - 5.
No one ever mentioned to me that they were low until the other day (2/25) and said it was "nothing to worry about".
I did some searching and read about the bad stuff that can happen if potassium gets low.
Wondering why no one, not ANYONE said anything to me prior to the other day and that was ONLY because I saw everything in blue (on the computer in the room as nurse was entering info) and this one red number / line popped up in RED and I asked what it was and that's when she said about the low potassium.
I have found out totay I do not eat any potassium rich food (after researching online). Except the occassional banana ...
Brief Answer:
The results need investigation
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
since there is no explanation about the low potassium levels, some basic investigation is needed. Your doctor should check whether your kidneys and adrenals function properly or if you have any other reason that increases urine production (and reduces potassium levels). Even the lowest level (3.3) is not that low to justify serious concern but you do need an investigation for that because it may be something reversible.
The basic tests should target kidney function (urinarlysis, urea, creatinine) and aldosteronism. For the latter, checking the values of sodium at the same time is helpful because it usually causes a high sodium and low potassium level and may also cause hypertension.
Unless you're following a restrictive diet, there is no reason for the potassium to be low. The body should compensate for potassium fluctuations using it's reserves and make sure it's stable. When it's not, something is wrong. It could something transient and benign (like excessive sweating after running 10 miles) or something serious (like diabetic ketoacidosis). I'm not implying that you have diabetic ketoacidosis because this is a condition easily detectable and serious, it's just an example.
Kind Regards!
The results need investigation
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
since there is no explanation about the low potassium levels, some basic investigation is needed. Your doctor should check whether your kidneys and adrenals function properly or if you have any other reason that increases urine production (and reduces potassium levels). Even the lowest level (3.3) is not that low to justify serious concern but you do need an investigation for that because it may be something reversible.
The basic tests should target kidney function (urinarlysis, urea, creatinine) and aldosteronism. For the latter, checking the values of sodium at the same time is helpful because it usually causes a high sodium and low potassium level and may also cause hypertension.
Unless you're following a restrictive diet, there is no reason for the potassium to be low. The body should compensate for potassium fluctuations using it's reserves and make sure it's stable. When it's not, something is wrong. It could something transient and benign (like excessive sweating after running 10 miles) or something serious (like diabetic ketoacidosis). I'm not implying that you have diabetic ketoacidosis because this is a condition easily detectable and serious, it's just an example.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi,
My sodium, creatine, etc were normal at each of the dates listed for potassium.
I did have BP of 136/82 (on avg)!from 9/14 - 1/15 due to higher and irregular doses of BCP trying to comtrol bleeding issues (LONG STORY) ...as of mid January 2015 bp is back to normal at 116/77 - 120/ 70 on avg after being off the pill and having XXXXXXX inserted.
That wouldn't indicate aldosteronism, would it? I read about it after reading your reply and am a bit wigged out...totally do not want that.
I do not eat much during the day (slice or two of bread and some saltine crackers) and then light dinner.
I dont eat any potassium rich foods (didnt realize it till yesterday) and started yesterday with bananas.
Do you think this is a serious concern? No one has said anything to me about it and I found out by accident via nurse looking at my labwork. Now completely freaked out...
Thank you for your time and help.
My sodium, creatine, etc were normal at each of the dates listed for potassium.
I did have BP of 136/82 (on avg)!from 9/14 - 1/15 due to higher and irregular doses of BCP trying to comtrol bleeding issues (LONG STORY) ...as of mid January 2015 bp is back to normal at 116/77 - 120/ 70 on avg after being off the pill and having XXXXXXX inserted.
That wouldn't indicate aldosteronism, would it? I read about it after reading your reply and am a bit wigged out...totally do not want that.
I do not eat much during the day (slice or two of bread and some saltine crackers) and then light dinner.
I dont eat any potassium rich foods (didnt realize it till yesterday) and started yesterday with bananas.
Do you think this is a serious concern? No one has said anything to me about it and I found out by accident via nurse looking at my labwork. Now completely freaked out...
Thank you for your time and help.
Brief Answer:
No aldosteronism probably
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
normal blood pressure, normal sodium and slightly lower potassium make aldosteronism unlikely.
I'd like to see the urinalysis if you have a report. The pH is useful to check if your urine result is compatible with renal tubular acidosis. Urinary calcium excretion would be useful as well.
As I've told you, with the lowest potassium at the level of 3.3 you don't have to worry too much. You're not supposed to even have the slightest symptoms with that value.
Kind Regards!
No aldosteronism probably
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
normal blood pressure, normal sodium and slightly lower potassium make aldosteronism unlikely.
I'd like to see the urinalysis if you have a report. The pH is useful to check if your urine result is compatible with renal tubular acidosis. Urinary calcium excretion would be useful as well.
As I've told you, with the lowest potassium at the level of 3.3 you don't have to worry too much. You're not supposed to even have the slightest symptoms with that value.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi,
Thank you for getting back to me...
I don't have the report but was normal (was checked about 2 weeks ago).
Do these lower end numbers have to mean illness? I havent been eating ANY foods that contain potassium and didnt realize it. Could that be it?
Am reading stuff now that says its normal to be in the range i am in.
Is this something that could turn out to be horrible? Am now super confused and worried...like is this even an issue since im still in normal range? Or am i worrying for nothing...which is what i hope is the case ...since NOT one of my docs mentioned it.
Thank you for getting back to me...
I don't have the report but was normal (was checked about 2 weeks ago).
Do these lower end numbers have to mean illness? I havent been eating ANY foods that contain potassium and didnt realize it. Could that be it?
Am reading stuff now that says its normal to be in the range i am in.
Is this something that could turn out to be horrible? Am now super confused and worried...like is this even an issue since im still in normal range? Or am i worrying for nothing...which is what i hope is the case ...since NOT one of my docs mentioned it.
Brief Answer:
"Normal" is defined by the lab range of values
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
the laboratory that worked the test defines a range of normal values. A 3.3 level is not normal. Let me explain what that means in more detail though.
Normality is defined by what applies to most people. If most of measurements in healthy individuals are within 3.5-5.2 then this is the normal range. There could be some individuals that have 3.4 or 5.3. This is not considered normal but they may be as healthy as the ones that have 3.5-5.2. Perhaps their body works OK with a lower level.
Since you're having no potassium depletion symptoms, it's possible that this is your case too. I can't exclude or confirm it though. In cases like yours a basic investigation is done, to exclude some obvious causes. If nothing is found and the patient is asymptomatic then no more investigation is usually done.
If all your tests are normal then: no symptoms, no lab findings = no worries!
I hope this answer is more reassuring to you!
Kind Regards!
"Normal" is defined by the lab range of values
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
the laboratory that worked the test defines a range of normal values. A 3.3 level is not normal. Let me explain what that means in more detail though.
Normality is defined by what applies to most people. If most of measurements in healthy individuals are within 3.5-5.2 then this is the normal range. There could be some individuals that have 3.4 or 5.3. This is not considered normal but they may be as healthy as the ones that have 3.5-5.2. Perhaps their body works OK with a lower level.
Since you're having no potassium depletion symptoms, it's possible that this is your case too. I can't exclude or confirm it though. In cases like yours a basic investigation is done, to exclude some obvious causes. If nothing is found and the patient is asymptomatic then no more investigation is usually done.
If all your tests are normal then: no symptoms, no lab findings = no worries!
I hope this answer is more reassuring to you!
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Since the one low number was 6 weeks ago (and im fairly cetrain i was sick / diarhea) is that relevant anymore?
Am not sure what my next steps are if all bloodwork and stuff is normal? Nothing? Just mosey along like i have been?
Also...i asked before and maybe you missed it...can this be caused by low intake (actually none) of potassium rich foods?
Guess my ultimate question is...can this just be normal for me since its always been this way? As far as i can tell...am Iworrying for nothing?
Am not sure what my next steps are if all bloodwork and stuff is normal? Nothing? Just mosey along like i have been?
Also...i asked before and maybe you missed it...can this be caused by low intake (actually none) of potassium rich foods?
Guess my ultimate question is...can this just be normal for me since its always been this way? As far as i can tell...am Iworrying for nothing?
Brief Answer:
After this last bit of info, I believe you're normal
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I don't know if you implied it but I thought that you had no symptoms or medical condition and then in your last question you mentioned diarrhea!
Diarrhea is one of the most common causes of electrolyte disorders (including hypokalemia which means low potassium). So if you did have diarrhea at that time the 3.3 value is absolutely justified and there is no reason to worry for the rest of the values.
As I've already told you, although perhaps not so explicitly as I will now, your potassium levels have nothing to do with your diet. A normal body will extract potassium from several different sources and will maintain a normal level. If you did not adopt any restrictive diet then there is no reason to worry for any nutrient!
So you see that a laboratory measurement in itself can be misleading without the relevant clinical information. You should have mentioned the diarrhea event right from the start, because this would have made things much easier for you. Anyway, I strongly believe that you have no reason to worry!
Best wishes!
After this last bit of info, I believe you're normal
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I don't know if you implied it but I thought that you had no symptoms or medical condition and then in your last question you mentioned diarrhea!
Diarrhea is one of the most common causes of electrolyte disorders (including hypokalemia which means low potassium). So if you did have diarrhea at that time the 3.3 value is absolutely justified and there is no reason to worry for the rest of the values.
As I've already told you, although perhaps not so explicitly as I will now, your potassium levels have nothing to do with your diet. A normal body will extract potassium from several different sources and will maintain a normal level. If you did not adopt any restrictive diet then there is no reason to worry for any nutrient!
So you see that a laboratory measurement in itself can be misleading without the relevant clinical information. You should have mentioned the diarrhea event right from the start, because this would have made things much easier for you. Anyway, I strongly believe that you have no reason to worry!
Best wishes!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
It was only one day or so and didn't remember till a few mins ago. Im sorry.
I also had a ct scan beginning of month 2/4/15 no one told me to drink water afterwards and i ended up spending 2 days drinking as much water as possible (had friend mention that since i had XXXXXXX i should be drinking lots of water) because no one doing the test told me i should incease water intake before or after and didnt get fluids via IV.
Then went back to place that did ct scan for tests a few days later to make sure the XXXXXXX didnt mess up my kidneys and they said that my results indicated "perfectly normal" kidney function.
Would that test have shown the potassium stuff? And that would be another positive thing that i am ok?
I never followed up for those results - as the red tape at that location was crazy.
The above should be my last question - thank you very much for your time. Greatly appreciate your help and I do feel a bit better :-)
I also had a ct scan beginning of month 2/4/15 no one told me to drink water afterwards and i ended up spending 2 days drinking as much water as possible (had friend mention that since i had XXXXXXX i should be drinking lots of water) because no one doing the test told me i should incease water intake before or after and didnt get fluids via IV.
Then went back to place that did ct scan for tests a few days later to make sure the XXXXXXX didnt mess up my kidneys and they said that my results indicated "perfectly normal" kidney function.
Would that test have shown the potassium stuff? And that would be another positive thing that i am ok?
I never followed up for those results - as the red tape at that location was crazy.
The above should be my last question - thank you very much for your time. Greatly appreciate your help and I do feel a bit better :-)
Brief Answer:
CT scans may cause problems to the kidneys but they usually don't
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
while the IV drug may cause kidney toxicity, this commonly happens in patients with significant medical problems like chronic kidney disease, patients taking drugs like metformin, dehydrated patients etc
Since you've checked your renal markers a few days later, there is no reason to worry about that. The potassium in renal failure is usually higher than normal, not lower. So if you had a problem then the potassium should have been higher.
And if you did have a problem with low potassium levels, it should have been found in this test too.
After all this discussion, I believe that you don't have to do any more tests.
You've already done too many!
Kind Regards!
CT scans may cause problems to the kidneys but they usually don't
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
while the IV drug may cause kidney toxicity, this commonly happens in patients with significant medical problems like chronic kidney disease, patients taking drugs like metformin, dehydrated patients etc
Since you've checked your renal markers a few days later, there is no reason to worry about that. The potassium in renal failure is usually higher than normal, not lower. So if you had a problem then the potassium should have been higher.
And if you did have a problem with low potassium levels, it should have been found in this test too.
After all this discussion, I believe that you don't have to do any more tests.
You've already done too many!
Kind Regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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