potassium too high. Possible causes Synthroid????

hyperkalemia synthroid i · Guest

my mother's potassium level is 800. She is 86 and on synthroid. she is very healthy and walks amile 5times a week. She has had an accelerated white blood cell count for over 6 years with no glandular changes
Robin

Danny · Supporter Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 340

Normal potassium levels are 25-125 ml per liter. Role of this mineral in human body is to balance the amount of fluid. As fluid makes about 70% of our bodies, potassium has very important function. Synthroid contains T4 hormone and sometimes there can be troubles in converting T4 into T3 that is active form. If I were you I’d look for second opinion. Intracellular level of potassium should also be measured and level of sodium too. As you said that your mother felt very healthy it might mean that lab test was wrong?! Abnormal potassium levels are often followed by symptoms like cramps, changes in heart rhythm, nausea, diarrhea, muscle weakness, confusion etc. With or without influence of synthroid on potassium level, I think that kidney function tests and ECG should be done.

Guest · Guest

I was told by my doctors receptionist today that my potassium level was high. I did not ask what the numbers were but could you explain why my level of potassium could be high. I think that it must not of been too high as she did not say it was. Should I call and ask to speak with my doctor and also she advised me to lay off or at least cut back the fruit. I was just wondering what you would advise.

Thanks, Mary Ann

smalhotra · Newbie Joined: 02 Mar 2007 Posts: 1

As a registered nurse, I can tell you that having too much or too little Potassium effects the heart. This can occur by taking medicines that can cause the body to store potassium, (which the body does not normally store) or through diet as well. In the US 3.5-5.0 mg is the norm for serum potassium levels. Again, if this is too high or too low, it will cause a change in the heart rhythm and can lead to a heart attack as well.

Always tell ALL your Dr's what medicines you are taking, and you are better off seeing an internal medical Dr versus a family Dr.

Another possibility is that one's bodily hormones may cause a fluctuation in ptassium, if you are diabetic even, see an endocrinologist. A Dr who treats one's hormones, I.E diabetics get their insulin stabilized--->> Insulin is a hormone.

Please see a different Dr if y ou are not being treated immediately and go to the Emergency Room if you are having any heart symptoms, or swelling or shortness of breath.

Good luck

potassium too high. Possible causes Synthroid????

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