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Is Serum Potassium Level Of 6.17 A Cause For Concern?
Posted on
Thu, 5 Jan 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 5 Jan 2017
Answered on
Fri, 3 Feb 2017
Last reviewed on
Question : how high can your POTASSIUM #'S BE BEFORE you need to be hospitalized &\Or go on diaiysis? My Potassium # was 6.1 7 my Dr is suggesting that I go to the hospital for observation BECAUSE high potassium levels can lead to a Heart Attack. Can't I take a medication to lower my Potassium w\o being in the hospital?
Brief Answer:
I would recommend you to follow your doctor's advice
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Welcome to HCM.
High potassium is dangerous as your doctor rightly said, but it also depends on the underlying disease you have. Kidney disease patients are at highest risk of 'high potassium and their consequences' as cardiac function is also often compromised in them.
Generally we consider levels up to 5.5 meq as safe , but people may tolerate higher levels depending on various factors. In general, levels above 6 are considered as high risk as cardiac function may suddenly be impaired and can be fatal.
We do not recommend home based treatment for levels above 6 as it requires cardiac monitoring and reduction in potassium at the earliest by insulin dextrose infusion or hemodialysis (if still refractory) which is not possible at home as medications act slowly which may jeopardize your heart.
I would recommend you to follow your doctor's advice, without hesitating. Once your potassium level drops down to a safer range, you can prevent further episodes by home based medications.
Hope I'm clear. You may ask further questions if needed.
ALL THE BEST.
I would recommend you to follow your doctor's advice
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Welcome to HCM.
High potassium is dangerous as your doctor rightly said, but it also depends on the underlying disease you have. Kidney disease patients are at highest risk of 'high potassium and their consequences' as cardiac function is also often compromised in them.
Generally we consider levels up to 5.5 meq as safe , but people may tolerate higher levels depending on various factors. In general, levels above 6 are considered as high risk as cardiac function may suddenly be impaired and can be fatal.
We do not recommend home based treatment for levels above 6 as it requires cardiac monitoring and reduction in potassium at the earliest by insulin dextrose infusion or hemodialysis (if still refractory) which is not possible at home as medications act slowly which may jeopardize your heart.
I would recommend you to follow your doctor's advice, without hesitating. Once your potassium level drops down to a safer range, you can prevent further episodes by home based medications.
Hope I'm clear. You may ask further questions if needed.
ALL THE BEST.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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