HEALTH RISKS OF HIGH POTASSIUM

If the potassium level in your blood gets too high, you could be at risk for serious health issues. These may include an irregular heartbeat, heart attack, temporary paralysis, or even death.

• CHEST PAINS OR IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT

  May feel like your heart is skipping beats

• OTHER HEART PROBLEMS

  Including the risk of a heart attack

• TEMPORARY PARALYSIS

  Could result in hospitalization

• DEATH

  Possible due to heart attack or your heart stopping

KEEPING TRACK OF YOUR POTASSIUM LEVEL

Just as you might keep track of your cholesterol or blood pressure numbers, it’s a good idea to know your potassium level, too. The health risks of high potassium are very real—and they may go up as your potassium level goes up.

WHAT YOUR NUMBER MEANS

Your doctor will perform a blood test to determine the level of potassium in your blood. Your potassium level is measured in milliequivalents per liter of your blood, or mEq/L. You won't need to remember how potassium is measured. Just remember the number that your doctor gives you.

For most people, a normal potassium level is 3.8 to 5.0 mEq/L.

• HIGH POTASSIUM

  (also known as hyperkalemia)
  5.1
  mEq/L and
  above
  The higher the level, the higher the risk

• NORMAL POTASSIUM

  (also known as normokalemia)
  3.8
  mEq/L to 5.0
  mEq/L
  Where your potassium level should be—and can be with proper management

• LOW POTASSIUM

  (also known as hypokalemia)
  3.7
  mEq/L and
  below
  Like high potassium, low potassium comes with health risks but can be treated

ACT NOW

If you’ve been diagnosed with high potassium, it’s important to remember that it can be managed. So don’t let it get you down. Instead, take action and take control. Now is the time to talk to your doctor about your next steps. These could include diet changes and/or prescription medication.