Hyperkalemia is a condition characterized by abnormally high levels of potassium in the blood, typically exceeding 5.5 mEq/L. It is caused by impaired kidney function, certain medications like ACE inhibitors and potassium-sparing diuretics, or metabolic acidosis. The Potassium Serum test is the most important test for diagnosis, directly measuring potassium levels to confirm the condition and determine its severity.
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Hyperkalemia is caused by impaired kidney function, which prevents the body from properly eliminating excess potassium through urine. Other common causes include medications such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), potassium-sparing diuretics like spironolactone, and NSAIDs that interfere with potassium excretion. Additionally, metabolic acidosis, adrenal insufficiency (low aldosterone), severe dehydration, tissue damage from burns or trauma, and excessive dietary potassium intake can all lead to elevated potassium levels in the blood.
The Potassium Serum test is the most important test for hyperkalemia because it directly measures the concentration of potassium in your blood serum, confirming the diagnosis and determining severity. Normal potassium levels range from 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L, and levels above 5.5 mEq/L indicate hyperkalemia. The Comprehensive Metabolic Profile is also essential because it measures potassium alongside kidney function markers like creatinine and eGFR, helping identify if kidney disease is causing your high potassium. For patients on certain medications like tacrolimus, the Tacrolimus test is critical to determine if medication toxicity is contributing to elevated potassium levels.
You should get tested if you have chronic kidney disease, take medications that affect potassium levels like ACE inhibitors or spironolactone, or experience symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, or numbness and tingling. Testing is also important if you have diabetes, adrenal gland disorders, severe dehydration, or have recently had major tissue damage from burns or trauma. Since hyperkalemia can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems without obvious symptoms, regular monitoring is essential for anyone with kidney disease or taking medications that increase potassium levels.
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What this means
Your testosterone levels are slightly below the optimal range. While this is not necessarily cause for concern, it may contribute to occasional fatigue, reduced motivation, or lower muscle mass over time.
Recommended actions
Increase resistance or strength training
Prioritize 7–8 hours of quality sleep per night, try to reduce stress
Include more zinc- and magnesium-rich foods (like shellfish, beef, pumpkin seeds, spinach)
Consider retesting in 3–6 months
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