Renal Function Tests
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Hi, just registered with a new NHS GP, as a new patient they do blood tests, asked about them yesterday and was told Potassium "mmm okay" but it is 5.3mmol/L and has red star against it. Sodium was 141mmol/L and creatinine 73umol/L, so all ok apart form potassium. Stupidly didn't pursue it with GP and then GOOGLED it, stupid I know, but now every so slightly concerned especially as I have been having palpitations that they can find no reason for. Anyone else with high potassium and if so how did you lower it naturally. Thanks
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mrsmop youngatheart1
Posted
The reference range is 3.5 - 5.3 so you're only just at the top. Mine is 3.3 & has been lower. My GPs don't worry but one of my Consultants was concerned. I was told to eat bananas! My levels increase when I live on bananas & avocados but soon drop if I stop.
Ring your new GP & ask if you are concerned. Do you have any cardiac problems?
I had a couple of episodes with my hypertension last summer. I have now been referred to a Cardiologist & have just been asked to do a 24hr urine test & more bloods.
youngatheart1 mrsmop
Posted
Hi, yes I have had cardiac symptoms and have done every test going which shows nothing, so I did wonder whether it might be potassium until I looked at my previous results, which I had not taken much notice off as it had never been mentioned before. January 2017 it was 5.3 but no one said anything and then it came down to the low 4s. I don't think it is causing my cardiac symptoms as they started about 3 years ago, so the two do not tie up. I have stopped eating bananas which I usually have most days and stopped eating dried fruits, yoghurt etc, then thought I would ask for a retest in 1 month.
?Regarding the cardiologist I hope they would have looked at my notes and seen the occasional high test result, but you never know so will ask when I next go. Take care