A normal potassium level in the blood is between 3.6 and 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L).
Low potassium
A potassium level below 2.5 mmol/L is referred to as hypokalemia that can be life-threatening.
High potassium
A potassium level above 6.0 mmol/L is referred to as. hyperkalemia that can be dangerous and requires immediate treatment.
Hyperkalemia, also known as high potassium, is a condition where there is too much potassium in the blood. It can be dangerous and lead to serious heart problems.
The rate at which serum potassium rises is more important than the level itself.
Causes
Kidney disease: When the kidneys don't work well, they can't remove enough potassium from the body.
Eating too much potassium: Foods like bananas, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, and orange juice are high in potassium.
Many drugs can cause high potassium levels, including blood pressure medications, antibiotics, and herbal supplements. Some types of diuretics (water pills) are used to help you lose extra salt but keep extra potassium .
A healthcare provider can order a blood test to measure blood potassium levels.
Factors that affect potassium levels
High potassium levels, also known as hyperkalemia, can cause heart arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and other serious health problems.
Symptoms of high potassium level:
Muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling in the arms and legs
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Irregular heart rhythms heart palpitations
Nausea or vomiting
Sudden collapse
.
Risk factors: Chronic kidney disease, Diabetes, Heart failure, and Medications that disrupt potassium balance.
Treatment :
•A healthcare provider can create a meal plan to help ensure you get the right amount of potassium in your diet.
•They may also prescribe or change medications.
•Doctors may advise avoiding foods high in potassium
•Doctors may advise increasing fluid intake to help lower potassium levels
When to seek medical care
Sudden or severe hyperkalemia can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical care.
Heart suddenly stops beating (cardiac arrest) Kidney failure. Weakness.
Complications cardiac arrest, kidney failure, and heart attack.
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.
Food rich in potassium
Avocados, apples, oranges and bananas. leafy greens — such as spinach, kale and silverbeet. vine fruits — such
as tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, eggplant and pumpkin. root vegetables — such as carrots, potatoes and sweet potatoes.Many drinks are high in potassium, including orange juice, grape fruit juice, pineapple juice, Mandarin juice,lychee juice,prune juice, tomato juic XEe, carrot juice, milk, tea, and coffee.
Milk is high in potassium, and dairy products are a common source of potassium in the diet
Curd is high in potassium. It also contains calcium and riboflavin.
Tomatoes are high in potassium, but pasta is served with many sauces that are not tomato-based. If you must select a dish with tomato sauce, ask that it be served on the side. Be cautious – Soul food is often high in potassium. Avoid black-eyed peas, dried beans, cooked greens, spinach, yams, and sweet potato pie.
Coconut water is high in potassium. It also contains other electrolytes, like magnesium and sodium.
Papaya is high in potassium. A single papaya can contain up to 781 milligrams of potassium, which is more than 15% of the recommended daily intake.
Bananas are probably the one food most associated with potassium, with one medium banana containing about 451 milligrams of potassium.
Low potassium food :
Carrots are considered low in potassium, but they do contain some potassium.
Onions are low in potassium and a good source of chromium, a mineral that helps with carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism.
Other foods that are low in potassium:
Asparagus, Bean sprouts, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, and Cherry tomatoes.
Sudden or severe hyperkalemia is a life-threatening condition. It requires immediate medical care.Hyperkalemia can be life-threatening. Many people don't feel symptoms until it's too late and their heart health worsens.
Donot ignore high potassium level in blood.
Take care and stay healthy.
Information complied by Dr.Bhairavsinh Raol
