High potassium levels

[Frank1803]

Hi ,I am looking for any information on High Potassium levels...blood tests have come back lately as 5.6,6.1...i am going for another test today.I am on Bisopripal2.5,Eplerenone25mg,Entresto 97/103..Dapagliflozin 10mg,,Apixiban5mg..and a vitD tablet...been on these for 4 years..no problems...it has been suggested by docs that Eplerenone,and or Entresto may be causing a problem.I have HF,CKD, Diabetes and COPD...The diabetes is well managed, I feel fit ,can walk a good distance and generally feel good.I have recently had a TURP and am off a catheter.The only problem is that once I start..I do pee a lot especially at night.Any help would be appreciated.

[Lezzers]

Hi Frank

My husband has had high potassium levels many times going back to 2008. It can be linked to your medication, hence the blood tests, spirolactone & Candesartan were the culprits for him. However, how your blood is taken transported & stored often give false high readings which is why the tests are repeated a few times.

Do you make your hand into a fist when the blood is taken? if so then I would stop doing that as that is known to increase the potassium in your blood and will give off a false reading. Some nurses/ phlebotomists ask you to make a fist as it makes it easier for them to find a vein and take the blood, I would refuse to do it and tell them why. Also the transportation to the lab can affect the potassium levels, as can the storage of the blood. If it's left to stand for a while or left overnight, even in a fridge, this again gives a false high reading. Ask whoever is taking the blood when it will go off to the lab for testing.

Good luck 🤞

[Incah in reply to Lezzers]

Hi. I did have hi pottasium levels , what worked for me was to be more cautious about what I was eating , I found after making a few tweaks I'm now back in a normal range . May work for you or not , as everyone is different . Ask GP if it could be your meds? Good luck

[Lezzers in reply to Incah]

Hi I think you've replied to me by mistake it was Frank1803 who was asking the question, I've copied him in so he sees your reply. But incidentally following the low potassium diet sheet supplied by the hospital made no difference to my husband's potassium issues, his medication is always the cause so his medical team work round that. As recent as last week I had a conversation with his nurse who said should his potassium become a problem again they have medication they can give him for it, something they've been reluctant to do in the past but apparently there is newer medication that is more effective.

[Incah in reply to Lezzers]

My apologies, I didn't notice I had replied to the wrong person. 😊 Glad there's something different for him to try if it happens again. X

[Frank1803]

Thanks for all the replies...was relieved to get a result of 4.9 last night.Doc said no need for a hospital admission..He did say to stop Eplerenone today if it was around the 6.0 mark.So no need for that...at the moment.I did alter my diet over the last few days ...so I will be careful what I eat.

[am1875 in reply to Frank1803]

Your diet makes a real difference.

[Retro51]

My cardiologist prescribed LOKELMA, Ime on similar meds as you. It's sodium zirconium and this has dropped my level down to acceptable levels . I hope this helps you. Merry Christmas.f

[Frank1803 in reply to Retro51]

That's interesting ...thank you and Merry Christmas to you.

[Paperclip46]

have you eaten bananas recently. I think that may show up in your blood test as they are high in potassium.

[am1875 in reply to Paperclip46]

Potatoes, avocados, spinach, plus many more foods affect potassium levels.

[Frank1803]

I was asked if I had overloaded in bananas and or tomatoes but they are not in my diet .I am looking at a low potassium diet. Thanks

[Lezzers in reply to Frank1803]

Hi Frank1803

The hospital should be able to supply you with a low potassium diet sheet. Be prepared though, a low potassium is very bland and even the way you cook some foods can raise the amount of potassium in them