How to Check Your Potassium Level

Potassium is an essential mineral for the body. Potassium helps many organs in the body function properly, including the heart and kidneys. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and helps the body maintain a proper PH level. Potassium is also very important because it helps muscles work well and helps balance bodily fluid. Sometimes potassium levels can be too high or too low. When it's too high it can cause the heart to stop beating. It is important, therefore, to check your potassium level.

Things You'll Need

• Doctor appointment

Instructions

1. Schedule an appointment to have a routine physical. Your doctor may also order you to have the test done if you have kidney disease or heart problems.

2. Get blood drawn. The blood will be drawn by a vein from the back of the hand or the inside of your elbow.

3. Call after a week to find out what your potassium level is. Normal potassium levels are 3.7 to 5.2 mEq/L. Your health care provider will let you know your potassium results either by phone, by mail or you may have to go to the office to find out.

Tips & Warnings

• Drink eight glasses of water each day before going to have blood drawn. Having enough fluid in your body will help the health care provider find a vein in your arm or hand better.

• There is little risk having blood drawn. Some risks may include fainting, infection, too much bleeding and Hematoma.

References

• Lab Tests Online
• Web MD
• National Library of Medicine