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What Do The Following Blood Test Results Indicate?
Question: I recently had a blood draw for a CMP, which is done every six months per my cardiologist's orders.
The potassium level was 5.4 (reference range 3.4 - 5.2 at the lab). In previous tests, the highest the potassium ever had been is 5.1. (I am monitored by my nephrologist every 6 months for CKD). The creatinine from the CMP is 1.39.
Is this level a cause for concern? Are there cardiac implications? Is an intervention appropriate at this time?
Any input you can provide will be sincerely appreciated.
The potassium level was 5.4 (reference range 3.4 - 5.2 at the lab). In previous tests, the highest the potassium ever had been is 5.1. (I am monitored by my nephrologist every 6 months for CKD). The creatinine from the CMP is 1.39.
Is this level a cause for concern? Are there cardiac implications? Is an intervention appropriate at this time?
Any input you can provide will be sincerely appreciated.
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I carefully passed through your question and would explain that these potassium levels are not concerning about any cardiac implication.
You should know that only levels higher than 7 mEq/L can lead to significant hemodynamic and neurologic consequences, whereas levels exceeding 8.5 mEq/L can cause respiratory paralysis or cardiac arrest.
So, your actual plasma levels are too far from these life-threatening values.
Besides, even though the lab reference rang is up to 5.2, you should know that levels up to 5.5 are considered normal.
So relax! There is nothing to worry about!
Losartan intake could lead to increased potassium levels.
I recommend you to discuss with your attending physician on the possibility of stopping Losartan intake and switch to hydrochlorothyazide or a calcium channel blocker (amlodipine, nicardipine, etc.).
Increased fluid intake would also help eliminate potassium.
I would also recommend discussing with your nephrologist on optimizing your actual therapy. Calcium carbonate could help reduce the potassium plasma levels too.
Another thing to take into consideration is a proper evaluation of your actual cardiac function and structure. I would recommend performing a cardiac ultrasound for this purpose and to help measure the pulmonary artery pressure and the central venous pressure.
You should discuss with your attending physician on the above issues.
Hope to have been helpful!
Feel free to ask me again, whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I carefully passed through your question and would explain that these potassium levels are not concerning about any cardiac implication.
You should know that only levels higher than 7 mEq/L can lead to significant hemodynamic and neurologic consequences, whereas levels exceeding 8.5 mEq/L can cause respiratory paralysis or cardiac arrest.
So, your actual plasma levels are too far from these life-threatening values.
Besides, even though the lab reference rang is up to 5.2, you should know that levels up to 5.5 are considered normal.
So relax! There is nothing to worry about!
Losartan intake could lead to increased potassium levels.
I recommend you to discuss with your attending physician on the possibility of stopping Losartan intake and switch to hydrochlorothyazide or a calcium channel blocker (amlodipine, nicardipine, etc.).
Increased fluid intake would also help eliminate potassium.
I would also recommend discussing with your nephrologist on optimizing your actual therapy. Calcium carbonate could help reduce the potassium plasma levels too.
Another thing to take into consideration is a proper evaluation of your actual cardiac function and structure. I would recommend performing a cardiac ultrasound for this purpose and to help measure the pulmonary artery pressure and the central venous pressure.
You should discuss with your attending physician on the above issues.
Hope to have been helpful!
Feel free to ask me again, whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your prompt reply, Dr. Sharka. A couple of follow-up questions...
Does this level of potassium indicate worsening kidney function? Is it indicative of hyperkalemia?
Does this level of potassium indicate worsening kidney function? Is it indicative of hyperkalemia?
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
First, I would explain that these potassium levels are in the upper limits of normal ranges, which means that you do not suffer from hyperkalemia, but you are on the way to develop hyperkalemia (your potassium levels have a tendency of raising).
Second, we can not judge if this level of potassium is related to your kidney function. Kidney function tests (BUN, creatinine levels, creatinine clearance, etc.)are a more reliable test than potassium levels for the kidney function.
Besides, you have been taking losartan, which is known to increase potassium levels as an adverse effect. It is not recommended when there is a kidney dysfunction.
For this reason, I would recommend switching to other antihypertensive drugs (like hydrochlorothyazide, amlodipine, etc.), which do not have this adverse effect.
Hope to have clarified all your uncertainties!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
First, I would explain that these potassium levels are in the upper limits of normal ranges, which means that you do not suffer from hyperkalemia, but you are on the way to develop hyperkalemia (your potassium levels have a tendency of raising).
Second, we can not judge if this level of potassium is related to your kidney function. Kidney function tests (BUN, creatinine levels, creatinine clearance, etc.)are a more reliable test than potassium levels for the kidney function.
Besides, you have been taking losartan, which is known to increase potassium levels as an adverse effect. It is not recommended when there is a kidney dysfunction.
For this reason, I would recommend switching to other antihypertensive drugs (like hydrochlorothyazide, amlodipine, etc.), which do not have this adverse effect.
Hope to have clarified all your uncertainties!
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
Your kidney function tests are normal.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Your renal function tests are perfectly normal.
So relax and do not worry about it!
Your elevated potassium levels are probably related to Losartan intake.
So, nothing serious is going on!
Hope to have been helpful!
Regards,
Dr. Iliri
Your kidney function tests are normal.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
Your renal function tests are perfectly normal.
So relax and do not worry about it!
Your elevated potassium levels are probably related to Losartan intake.
So, nothing serious is going on!
Hope to have been helpful!
Regards,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you so much for sharing your expertise and patience in answering my questions, Doctor. I sincerely appreciate your guidance.
Brief Answer:
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
I am glad to have been helpful to you!
If you have any other questions, you can ask me directly at any time on the link below:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=69765
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
I am glad to have been helpful to you!
If you have any other questions, you can ask me directly at any time on the link below:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=69765
Wishing all the best,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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