blood test results low potassium?
i recently went to the doctors to have a blood test he also checked my BP and heart beart on the same day my blood pressure was 120/80 and 78 bmp on my heart
in my blood test it came back all normal except my potassium levels which came back low at 3.1 I decided to read up online what that meant and read some things that have scared me first i noticed a few symptoms i can relate to like muscle twiching but i read you can suffer a heart attack at any moment when its that low and even slip into a coma!! other than that also my cholesterol level is 6.5
anyway i went back to the doctor she said she wouldnt have called me in personally for the potassium levels she said its fine and no danger just that i should obviously lower my cholesterol.
i am a mild hypocondriac and suffer from panic attacks so reading that has really set me off and i just sit here thinking somthing bad might happen
has anyone got experience of this and can offer some advice?
Filed under: Potassium Side Effects
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
Jane,
You start by mentioning potassium. As you may have found out in your research, potassium is a mineral (electrolyte) in the body. Almost 98% of potassium is found inside the cells. Small changes in the level of potassium that is present outside the cells can have severe effects on the heart, nerves, and muscles. The normal potassium level is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L. Low potassium is defined as a potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L. The level that you quote is marginally lower than the “normal” and, as your doctor mentioned, not to be too concerned about. It is not likely that the level that you quote would cause any symptoms until it reaches a lower reading. You continue by worrying about cholesterol. If you just listen to the ‘experts’, you would think that cholesterol is an evil substance and that most of us would benefit from lowering our cholesterol as low as possible. But it is not so. Cholesterol is a vitally important substance which is used for building our cell membranes and producing several of our hormones. The natural question arising from this is – Why a natural substance in our blood, with important biological functions, is called “bad” when it is transported from the place of manufacture in the liver to the peripheral tissues by LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein), but is called “good” when it is transported back to the liver, for replenishment or removal, by HDL (High Density Lipoprotein). If our cholesterol level drops too low, we are actually at increased risk for depression and suicide. Low cholesterol levels have been shown to worsen the condition of patients with congestive heart failure. Statin drugs are often prescribed to lower our cholesterol level. These drugs actually inhibit a vital enzyme that manufactures cholesterol in the liver. However the same enzyme is used to manufacture coenzyme Q10, which is a biochemical required to transfer energy from food to our cells. Thus statin drugs inhibit the very important production of coenzyme Q10. It has never been conclusively proved that lowering cholesterol saves lives. Disclaimers from the drug companies about their statin drugs show the side effects are very dangerous. Statins are a class of drugs designed to block the production of cholesterol by the body, with the effect of lowering a patient’s blood cholesterol levels. According to modern medical mythology, the use of these drugs ultimately lowers the patient’s risk for coronary heart disease. These drugs are extremely dangerous. There are huge volumes of reports detailing the horrible and often permanent side effects of taking these drugs. Using the same conventional medical thinking that is being used for cholesterol would lead one to believe that doctors should reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by taking out everybody’s brain. In fact, cholesterol is being transported to tissues as part of an inflammatory response that is occurring there for the purpose of repairing the damage. The fixation on cholesterol as a major cause of heart disease defies the last 15 years of science and deflects from real causes such as the damage (via glycation) that sugars such as glucose and fructose inflict on tissues, including the lining of arteries, causing chronic inflammation and resultant plaque. So it would be wise to stop trying to change cholesterol, studies conclusively prove beyond doubt that cholesterol does not cause heart disease and it will not stop a heart attack. The majority of people who suffer heart attacks have normal cholesterol levels. So, with respect, might I suggest that you try to stop worrying and try to enjoy your life. Research ways to stop panic attacks etc.
ALL ANSWERS SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY RESEARCHED, IN ANY FORUM AND ESPECIALLY IN THIS ONE. - MANY ANSWERS ARE FLAWED.
It is extremely important to obtain an accurate diagnosis before trying to find a cure. Many diseases and conditions share common symptoms.
The information provided here should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.
I add a link with details of this subject
http://www.communicationagents.com/
chris/2004/01/29/cholesterol_does_
not_cause_coronary_heart_disease.htm
Hope this helps
matador 89
Potassium levels can fluctuate from day to day. Stop freaking out and calm down. Go eat a freaking banana for pete’s sake. That should get you in normal ranges of 3.5 - 5.1 mg/dL.
Dear,
You not need to worry absolutely.
The normal potassium lever is 3.5 mg so your level is slightly subnormal and it is not dangerous.
The danger begin when the level becom 2.5 and less.
You can regain your normal potassium level by eating BANANA for one month, just do this and dont worry
don;t worry so much
just have some potassium rich foods such as bananas if you are concerned