Healthy Potassium Levels

by Dr. Stephen Sinatra

Filed Under: Food and Nutrition, Q&As, Heart Health

Last Reviewed 10/04/2012

Healthy Potassium Levels

My potassium level is at the top of the range, and I understand that it is not good to have high potassium?

It sounds to me like your blood potassium level might be at the high end of the normal range. Hyperkalemia is when the potassium level is greater than 5.0 and can be associated with Addison's disease. Alternatively, hypokalemia is when the serum level is less than 3.5 and that can trigger dangerous cardiac arrhythmias.

A potassium level in the high normal range is acceptable, and, as a cardiologist, I like it. I don't know if you are taking potassium as a supplement, but your doctor should be checking your adrenal glands and monitoring your potassium.

Enjoy What You've Just Read?

Get it delivered to your inbox! Signup for E-News and you'll get great content like you've just read along with other great tips and guides for Dr. Sinatra!

Meet Dr. Sinatra

Dr. Stephen Sinatra is a highly respected and sought-after cardiologist and nutritionist with more than 30 years of clinical practice, research, and study. His integrative approach to heart health focuses on reducing inflammation in the body and maximizing the heart's ability to produce and use energy. More About Dr. Sinatra