High potassium in blood screening?

5.6 vs. 3.6 to 5.0
What factors apply?
Answer:
3.5 to 5 is normal range, so 5.6 is high. But, the results can be affected by what you've eaten (and how much of it) in the times leading up to the test. Foods like spinach, broccoli, oranges, potatoes, bananas, are all high in potassium, and this can stay with you for awhile. So, if, for instance, you had bananas for breakfast, and large fries at lunch, and an orange, and ate broccoli for dinner, and drank some OJ before you went to bed, this would all elevate your potassium level. If your level is consistently high, your doctor will probably prescribe medication to help lower the levels, as well as strongly urge you to change your diet, and it might be advisable to be seen by a cardiologist, if these levels are consistently high. High potassium has been linked to heart troubles.

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3.6 to 5 is normal range for blood potassium

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