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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Elevated Potassium Level In Blood?

My husband has had high and normal readings for potassium over the last three weeks. Week one he was tested and potassium normal. Week two he was tested and potassium high 7.0. Tested again same day and potassium normal. Dr. said high was lab mistake. Week 3, today, another doctor tested bood and potassium was high 6.4 wants told my husband to go to ER. What is going on?
Mon, 13 Apr 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello and thank you for your question!
Hyperkalemia is condition that may occur when your kidneys do not work properly and cannot remove potassium from your body or if your body's cells release too much potassium.Your kidneys help control the balance of potassium in your body. If they do not work properly, they cannot filter extra potassium from the blood or remove it from the body.Excess potassium in the diet can also contribute to increased levels in your blood, especially if there is an issue with kidney function.Some health problems interfere with how potassium moves out of the body's cells also.
I would suggest you to take an appointment with the nephfrologist doctor and do some more specific exams. Feel free to ask me again for further info.
Best regards!
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What Causes Elevated Potassium Level In Blood?

Hello and thank you for your question! Hyperkalemia is condition that may occur when your kidneys do not work properly and cannot remove potassium from your body or if your body s cells release too much potassium.Your kidneys help control the balance of potassium in your body. If they do not work properly, they cannot filter extra potassium from the blood or remove it from the body.Excess potassium in the diet can also contribute to increased levels in your blood, especially if there is an issue with kidney function.Some health problems interfere with how potassium moves out of the body s cells also. I would suggest you to take an appointment with the nephfrologist doctor and do some more specific exams. Feel free to ask me again for further info. Best regards!