What To Know About High Potassium Levels

A viewer tells us they're 68-years-old and have high potassium levels. They are wondering if they should be concerned. Doctor Lacy Anderson says to keep an eye on it.

A slightly high potassium level isn’t terribly dangerous, but if levels get too high, it can

cause heart palpitations, muscle weakness or numbness and nausea and vomiting.

High potassium levels can also cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, chest pain and heart

arrhythmias, which could cause death in severe cases. 

One of the most common causes of high potassium levels in the blood is advanced kidney disease. 

Sometimes a high potassium diet could cause this as well. Salt substitutes like Mrs. Dash can sometimes contain high levels of potassium. Cantaloupe, honeydew melon, orange juice and bananas are also high in potassium. Sometimes medications can raise potassium levels, as well. 

Occasionally we can see a falsely elevated potassium level on a blood test, so it’s never a bad idea to repeat the lab if you think it might be a lab error. 

If advanced kidney disease is the cause of your high potassium levels, it’s a good idea to see a nephrologist, or kidney specialist, to try to keep your kidneys as healthy as possible.