04/13/2023
What is a Potassium Blood Test?
A potassium blood test measures the amount of potassium in your blood. Potassium is a type of electrolyte. Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that help control fluid levels and the balance of acids and bases (pH balance) in your body. They also help control muscle and nerve activity and perform other important functions.
Your cells, nerves, heart, and muscles need potassium to work properly. Potassium levels that are too high or too low may be a sign of a medical problem.
What is it used for?
A potassium blood test measures how much potassium is in your blood. The test is often part of a group of routine blood tests called an electrolyte panel. It may be used to monitor or diagnose conditions related to abnormal potassium levels. These conditions include kidney disease, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
What do the results mean?
Too much potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia). It's often the result of two or more causes. High potassium levels may be a sign of:
Kidney disease. Your kidneys remove extra potassium from your body. Too much potassium may mean your kidneys aren't working well.
Addison disease, a disorder of the adrenal glands
Injuries, burns, or surgery that can cause your cells to release extra potassium into your blood
Type 1 diabetes that is not well controlled
The side effects of certain medicines, such as diuretics ("water pills") or antibiotics
A diet too high in potassium (not common). Bananas, apricots, green leafy vegetables, avocados and many other foods are good sources of potassium that are part of a healthy diet. But eating very large amounts of potassium-rich foods or taking potassium supplements can lead to health problems.
Too little potassium in the blood (hypokalemia) may be a sign of:
Use of prescription diuretics
Fluid loss from diarrhea, vomiting, or heavy sweating
Using too many laxatives
Adrenal gland disorders, including Cushing's syndrome and aldosteronism
Kidney disease
Alcohol use disorder (AUD)
A diet too low in potassium (not common)
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