Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Elevated Potassium Levels?
Question: I Just had a blood test my Potassium level was 5.5 Is this high or low?? I have back surgery scheduled
XXXXXXX 16th will this effect this? What can I do to get it back within normal range will I still be able to have the surgery?
XXXXXXX 16th will this effect this? What can I do to get it back within normal range will I still be able to have the surgery?
Brief answer....it is a mildly elevated potassium level
Detailed answer ....
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
Normal levels of potassium are between 3.6 to 5.2.
Any level between 5.2 to 6 is considered as mild elevation.
Although such a mild elevation doesn't result in any problem or symptoms to the patient but still it should be investigated to find the cause so that the reason is removed and future increase in potassium levels don't occur.
There can be various causes for such high levels like...use of medicines like blood pressure medicines and pain killers,excess consumption,kidney ailment,burn injuries,crush injuries and the most important cause is false elevation of potassium levels( pseudo hyperkalemia ).
pseudo hyperkalemia occurs because of wrong collection and wrong storage of blood sample.
You must get your blood checked again for potassium levels.
In case,it is still found to be high,a cause for this must be found about and removed before the surgery is done,because surgery won't be performed with higher levels of potassium.
I hope it helps,however you may revert to me or any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks
Detailed answer ....
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
Normal levels of potassium are between 3.6 to 5.2.
Any level between 5.2 to 6 is considered as mild elevation.
Although such a mild elevation doesn't result in any problem or symptoms to the patient but still it should be investigated to find the cause so that the reason is removed and future increase in potassium levels don't occur.
There can be various causes for such high levels like...use of medicines like blood pressure medicines and pain killers,excess consumption,kidney ailment,burn injuries,crush injuries and the most important cause is false elevation of potassium levels( pseudo hyperkalemia ).
pseudo hyperkalemia occurs because of wrong collection and wrong storage of blood sample.
You must get your blood checked again for potassium levels.
In case,it is still found to be high,a cause for this must be found about and removed before the surgery is done,because surgery won't be performed with higher levels of potassium.
I hope it helps,however you may revert to me or any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
