Potassium 5.5

[Kidman]

Hi,

I'm a 75 year old man. Have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, peripheral artery disease. But to be honest, I feel lucky. Had surgery for PAD in April. Big deal. Major bypasses to provide blood flow to legs, stent in left leg. Doing great, walking,etc. That was the first time I ever needed surgery.

Have chronic kidney disease stage 3A. Had it for a long time.

While in the hospital medication was switched from Metoprolol Tartrate to another that dangerously raised my Potasium. Internist, who is great, called me at home got me on something to lower it immediately. After I went back to Metoprolol Tartrate , everything seemed fine.

A few weeks ago I had full blood work. Most was fine. A1C 6.9, cholesterol, etc. all good. Probably because I've been walking like crazy to fight the pad.

However my potassium was up to 5.5.

We're repeating the CMP Friday. My doctor asked if I changed my eating habits. I haven't, but I did recall the night before the test I walked for an hour and a half approximately 3 hours from 4 to 6 PM. Took blood about 7:30 the next morning.

Just wandered if anyone know if that could raise the potassium.

As I said, all else is good. Creatinine was slightly high at 1.42.

As always I am nervous and hoping for the best.

But I wondered if anyone thought the exercise might have raised my potassium.

I appreciate any comments.

Ed

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

All that I am able to tell you is that I was diagnosed CKD 3b and am a senior. Reducing potassium is part of my CKD diet and it is helping.

[Kidman in reply to orangecity41]

Thanks for the quick answer. I'll see what happens, but I'm already reducing Potassium. Just need to know how much I need to reduce.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Kidman]

The amount of Potassium I needed to reduce was determined by bloodwork. Keep us posted.

[Kidman in reply to orangecity41]

Thanks for responding. Just curious. How high was your Potassium when you started?

This current reading of mine is 5.5 only .2 over normal.

It peaked dangerously high due to a new med in April. 6.3. Stopped the med and took something to lower it quickly. So, I am concerned about this reading.

Thanks again.

Ed

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Kidman]

I really do not remember the level. It was over 7 years ago. Sorry.

[Kidman in reply to orangecity41]

Thanks for answering. I can understand why you wouldn't remember.

[ShyeLoverDoctor]

Do not know about that but it will need to be addressed if it persists at that level. Hyperkalemia can be deadly. Hopefully it’s medication related .

[Kidman in reply to ShyeLoverDoctor]

Thanks so much. I know. The time it peaked because of the new med, my internist called me at home and prescribed some powder to take immediately, which also brought it down right away. She also stressed it could be dangerous. Fortunately my current level is lower, just slightly high. We'll see what happens.

Thanks.

[Murph0730]

Yes, exercise can temporarily raise potassium levels, so maybe hold off on walking before blood work.

[Kidman in reply to Murph0730]

Thanks so much. I'm holding off on exercising the whole day before, just to be safe.

I appreciate your answer.

Ed

[Kidman]

Update to my post about potassium 5.5

[Kidman]

Got my latest lab results. Potassium has gone back down 5.2 which is in normal range. While this is no longer dangerous, it's higher than it usually runs. I can see graphs of my results going back years. I'm thinking of seeing a nephrologist for ideas, now, before it gets serious.

I want to thank everyone for their helpful replies.

Ed