Why do I have high potassium levels in blood?
Dr Shirish Kumar
Haematologist,
WHO,
Geneva
Haematologist,
WHO,
Geneva
Q: I have been diagnosed with too much potassium in my blood. Could you tell me the reason behind such a diagnosis? Please also list the foods that have high and low levels of potassium.
A:The normal potassium level is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L. Hyperkalemia is defined as a potassium level greater than 5.5 mEq/L. Ranges are as follows:
- Mild: 5.5 - 6.0 mEq/L
- Moderate: 6.1 - 7.0 meq/L
- Severe: 7.0 mEq/L and greater
- Excessive intake - rare, as kidneys excrete the excess amount
- Reduced excretion - due to kidney disease or drugs that hamper loss of potassium
- Shifting out of potassium from cells into blood (rare).