$Unique_ID{BRK01022}
$Pretitle{Special Procedures and Laboratory Tests}
$Title{What is a "Potassium" Blood Test For?}
$Subject{potassium diuretics blood pressure}
$Volume{P-26}
$Log{
Figure 1*0009501.scf
Figure 2*0009601.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is a "Potassium" Blood Test For?


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QUESTION:  We are senior citizens and would like to know just what a certain
blood test is for.  Some of our doctors have a test taken every six months
when we are in for a blood pressure check.  It is usually for "potassium" but
we have no symptoms of a lack of potassium and are not treated for anything
else, so why?

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ANSWER:  A regular blood test for potassium at six month intervals would make
no sense to me either, if you hadn't mentioned that it occurred while you were
having your blood pressure checked.  Did you forget to tell me that some of
you were being treated for high blood pressure?  One classification of
medications commonly used to reduce elevated blood pressure is the "thiazide"
group, also known as "diuretics" or "water pills".  They work to reduce the
pressure by reducing the volume of blood through increased urinary excretion,
but they also provoke a loss of sodium, potassium and chlorides as well.  They
are well tolerated as medications, having few side effects and are frequently
chosen as the first medication in the treatment of hypertension.  Since they
extract potassium from the body, regular blood tests can be used to check the
levels.  Potassium is a most important chemical for the body to have in just
the right amounts as it can effect the way electrical currents are carried
through the heart, and thus the way the heart beats.  In most cases, there is
no need to replace potassium in people who are on diuretics, but when the
levels are low, liquids containing extra potassium can be provided.  Bananas
are also an excellent source of potassium, as are prunes, raisins and whole or
skimmed milk.  If you are on water pills, and receive no additional medication
after the blood tests, it is because you are maintaining the right levels of
potassium, and so have no need for more medication, and certainly nothing to
worry about.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
