Why would a doctor order a potassium test?

Your health care provider may order a potassium blood test as part of your regular checkup or to monitor an existing condition such as diabetes or kidney disease. You may also need this test if you have symptoms of having too much or too little potassium.

What happens to your body when your potassium level is low?

A low potassium level has many causes but usually results from vomiting, diarrhea, adrenal gland disorders, or use of diuretics. A low potassium level can make muscles feel weak, cramp, twitch, or even become paralyzed, and abnormal heart rhythms may develop.

What are the signs of a lack of potassium?

A small drop in potassium level often does not cause symptoms, which may be mild, and may include:

• Constipation.
• Feeling of skipped heart beats or palpitations.
• Fatigue.
• Muscle damage.
• Muscle weakness or spasms.
• Tingling or numbness.

When should I worry about potassium levels?

A potassium level higher than 5.5 mmol/L is critically high, and a potassium level over 6 mmol/L can be life-threatening. Small variations in ranges may be possible depending on the laboratory. Whether you have mild or severe hyperkalemia, you should get prompt medical attention to prevent possible complications.

What are the symptoms of high potassium levels?

What are the symptoms of hyperkalemia (high potassium)?

• Abdominal (belly) pain and diarrhea.
• Chest pain.
• Heart palpitations or arrhythmia (irregular, fast or fluttering heartbeat).
• Muscle weakness or numbness in limbs.
• Nausea and vomiting.

What are the signs of high potassium?

What causes you to lose potassium?

Vomiting, diarrhea or both also can result in excessive potassium loss from the digestive tract. Occasionally, low potassium is caused by not getting enough potassium in your diet. In most cases, low potassium is found by a blood test that is done because of an illness, or because you are taking diuretics.

What is the main cause of high potassium?

The most common cause of high potassium is kidney disease. Other causes of high potassium include: Dehydration. Some medicines.