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What Causes Pain In Left Breast And Armpit And High Potassium Levels?

Posted on Mon, 30 Jun 2014

Question: I am a 25 year old female (no history of kidney disease) and have been on Spironolactone for over a year. Two weeks ago I was increased to 200mg due to excess androgens in my body. For the past few days I have been having some pain in the area of my left breast/armpit. According to my recent blood work my potassium was 4.8. Should I be concerned about sudden cardiac arrest? I am increasing fluid intake but will eating potassium rich foods such as avocado drasrically increase potassium levels? Thank you

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are not at risk of cardiac arrest.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. The pain in your left breast and armpit is unlikely to be related to your heart. Your potassium is normal so do not worry. Eating avocados will not raise your potassium to dangerous levels. A healthy body can easy adjust to potassium rich foods and keep the blood levels in the normal range. You are definitely not at risk of cardiac arrest.
I hope this is reassurance for you. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB. FRCA.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kerry Pottinger (4 hours later)

Thank you so much for your expertise as well as your kindness. I now occasionally feel a sharp pain at the anterior surface of my left humerus and still continue to have a heavy feeling/pai in the same areas mentioned in the initial question. Is there any thing I can do at home to keep my potassium low while taking this medication? Thank you again.n

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You do not need to take any special diet.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for the further query. In some one of your age with no kidney disease the body is well able to cope with potassium rich foods. Therefore you do not have to avoid these foods. However, for your information, bananas, avocados and raisins are high in potassium. Also, some salt-substitutes are high in potassium. Symptoms of high potassium are stomach pain, nausea and diarrhea. You do not need to avoid potassium in your diet.
The pain you describe would be difficult for me to diagnose without examination. If you continue to be concerned with this, a visit to your doctor may be reassuring.
I hope this has answered your question.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger

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