Hello, Hope we can get a little reassurance or advice. My husband is 43 and his father died suddenly (15 plus years ago now at just age 50) from cardiac arrest. Husband and his siblings we’re all checked over, no congenital connections were found which was reassuring.
However the last few weeks, husband has been having lower back pain around his kidneys. This has settled down now but he had a blood test as advised by GP which revealed higher than normal potassium levels and has been just asked by the receptionist to have another test in a months time.
The last few days he’s been so worried as his resting heart rate is low - 42-45 and he’s concerned about the potassium and heart link. We’re both not what you call fit by any means and this just seems a bit too low. We’re trying to talk to a doctor re the results but are not able to get even a telephone appointment at the moment. Can anyone relate to this and offer any guidance please? Thanks in advance
Written by
Lozcdoz
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
You could always try walking into A and E and say you/your husband feels unwell and the high potassium issue is worrying him re. heart connection. Worth a try.
Thank you. We certainly will if he feels worse. Managed to arrange a call with a doctor for tomorrow afternoon. It seems it could just be a false positive on the potassium but the low heart rate is bothering him although feels fine with it.
My husband quite often has high potassium readings, he also has a low HR. Can I ask what your husband's reading was.
It's not unusual to wait a month before another test, if there was real concern it would be repeated sooner but quite often high readings can simply be because the blood has been sitting around too long before it was tested, transportation to the lab can also affect the reading.Also do not make a fist when the blood is being taken as this also gives a false reading
Last year my husband's reading was 6, his GP took him off all his meds until it went down but his cardiologist didn't seem too concerned.
I understand your concerns as my husband has had a previous cardiac arrest & is considered high risk of sudden death which is not linked to his potassium levels. Whilst your husband's HR is low the fact it's not affecting him is good, though it should be checked out. We never knew my husband's was dipping low until I did a manual reading and realised he had missing beats.
Hope this helps put your mind at some rest, please let us know how he gets on
Hi Lezzers, thank you for your reply. Potassium level was 5.5. He keeps feeling a bit shakey but that could be stress just worrying about it. Hoping its just a false positive and the next one it will have come down. Ive asked him to take his BP ( i have one at home that I used to keep tabs on mine during pregnancy) but he darnt look. Hopefully will get some advice from the doctor today. Will post updates. Thanks again
Hi, I hope it'll put both your minds at rest to know 5.5 isnt very high it's only just out of normal range but totally understand how scary you must both feel. Certainly ensure he speaks to someone today, if no joy from his GP I would ring the NHS helpline for advice.Good luck
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Is My Resting Heart Rate Too Low?
Low heart rate
Low heart rate
Resting heart rate
Potassium and spironolactone 
