Blood test shows high potassium

[Bedlington14]

Hi everyone, I posted recently about concerns about endocarditis. I had a blood test for that on Tuesday and the surgery rang a few minutes ago to say it showed my potassium levels were high at 5.5 and could I repeat the blood test in a month’s time. The surgery’s now closed so of course no Doctors are available to talk this through with and I’m going to spend the weekend worrying. I’ve had PVCs for years but am really worried now that something sinister’s going on with my heart. Has anyone else had high potassium and if so how was it dealt with? Many thanks.

[Lezzers]

Hi Bedlington14. Whilst 5.5 is outside normal range it's not excessively high, I think it's when your reading gets to 6 & above that it becomes a real issue. It is normal practice to re-test after a high reading, a 2nd test often shows the potassium has gone down to a more normal level. When you're having your blood taken ensure you're relaxed as making a fist with your hand can give a false high reading. Also, the transportation of the blood to the lab or if the blood is left too long before being tested can also give a false high reading, hence the follow up blood tests. My husband often has high potassium.

Hope this helps.

[Bedlington14 in reply to Lezzers]

Thank you for your reply, it helps a lot. I know that bananas and potatoes are high in potassium and I’ve been eating a lot of those lately. Hopefully the second blood test will show a lower reading.

[thetidders]

Hi, I also a high potassium level when I had my annual review in the autumn, I went to see my GP because after a triple bypass nearly 2 years ago I had critically low potassium levels & had to be given infusions to bring the potassium up to normal range & found it “ strange” the level was now high.

The GP told me not to worry at all & have a repeat blood test in a month. I did & it was back to normal levels again, so please try not to worry too much.

Jean

[Bedlington14 in reply to thetidders]

Thank you, I’m trying not to worry. I’ll talk to my Doctor on Monday. It’s reassuring to hear your experience.