I Have Always Had A Potassium Level A Bit High

Posted on Tue, 28 Jan 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I have always had a potassium level a bit high my adult life and no doctor ever panicked. I would just cut out bananas. Now, at 67 years old, female, I was a 6.7 potassium level in December, even though I don't think I changed my diet that much. I then went back to check the potassium last week, after cutting out all foods I normally eat that I found out are high in potassium, and my number was 5.4. I know 5.3 is the highest normal range. My doctor just told me to drink a bit more water than I normally do. I only drink water. No soda, etc. I sometimes have plain tea, hot or cold. Are my kidneys not working right? He did not say to take medication. Should I do something else or be concerned? He isn't checking the level again until XXXXXXX I normally eat in moderation baked beans, white or sweet potatoes, hamburger once a week, tomatoes and celery, cashews. I used to eat a real lot of bananas but don't even have one a day anymore. I wait a few days to eat one. Thank you.

Follow up: Dr. Dr. (1 hour later)

I made a mistake. The potassium level in December was 5.7 and NOT 6.7 However, I cut out all food completely that I knew had potassium in them. I only went from 5.7 to 5.4 in a month. It should have been lower I think. Do I have kidney disease? The rest of my blood work was normal.

Answered by Dr. Dr. (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Require further evaluation to rule out kindly disease....

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I have gone through your query and here is my advice.

As per your history, there can be several causes for that which should get evaluated.

Kindly follow up with a bit more information,
Do you have chest pain, rapid heart beats, fatigue?
Are you taking any other medications?

For further assessment I would suggest you to consult with nephrologist for detailed clinical examination.

He may procure repeat potassium level, renal profile, cortisol/aldosterone level, computed tomography abdomen and pelvis as per evaluation to rule out any other possibilities for kindly /adrenal disease.

Further treatment mainly depends upon the underlying condition. You may require diuretics after consultation. Avoid NSAIDs.

Along with that avoid banana, nuts, beans, milk, potato. It would be better to consult with dietician. Keep your self hydrated.

Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. (34 minutes later)

No chest pain, no rapid heart beats and no fatigue. I do not take medication for anything. I did have a cramp on the back of my right leg on the calf one night recently, but only once. Does 5.4 warrant a nephrologist? Really?

Answered by Dr. Dr. (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please see detailed answer....

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for your reply.

There can be several causes for muscle cramp which should get evaluated, but it may be due to electrolyte imbalance i. e. potassium. Keep yourself hydrated.

So it would be better to consult with nephrologist to rule out kidney/adrenal disease as raised potassium level may cause chest pain, rapid heart beats.

Along with that kindly follow all measures as suggested earlier.

Hope I have answered your query....
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana