May 26, 2012
Topics A-Z Unanswered Questions Should I be worried with my low blood potassium level?
Should I be worried with my low blood potassium level? |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: I had recently had a kidney stone that got stuck so had to have a lithotripsy done, all went well. A few weeks later on my follow up appt they did some blood work. My blood work all came back normal range but my potassium level came back at 3.4. Everything I read online says that levels starting at 3.5 are normal range!? So that makes 3.4 low!? I know how important potassium is so it worries me. Should I be worried? This is my first kidney stone, I'm 57 years old. Thank you, Jayne Dear Jayne: That is only a very slight deviation and it’s usually ignored. That range is still considered low normal. Hypokalemia (low potassium blood levels) less than 3.0 mmol/L seldom have signs and symptoms (e.g. muscle cramps, weakness); treatment may be started if potassium levels are below this level. Levels between 3.0 – 3.5 mmol/L can be corrected by eating more of bananas and citrus fruit since these fruits have high potassium content. If it is really bothering you, you can perhaps request a repeat of your blood potassium level, although I think it is unnecessary. This is not something you should be worried about. I do hope I have answered your question and take care always. |
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 22 August 2011 ) |
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