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Potassium levels

Hi,
I am 47 and had a heart attack two years ago...I have been monitored by my GP and cardiologist ever since on a 6 month basis...Two days ago I had a physical and blood work done ...My doctor called me back today because my potassium level was high ...He didn't say how high ...But he redid my labs so we'll see.
What I want to know is what does that mean to a person with heart disaese?
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976897 tn?1379167602
Well, high or low potassium has an effect on anyone. Potassium is used to maintain a balance between chemical and electrical reactions in the body, potassium being an electrolyte. Excess Potassium is removed from the body by the Kidneys and so this would be a starting point. The Hormone aldosterone controls the rate at which the kidneys remove potassium,water and sodium from the blood  and this hormone is a steriod type produced in the adrenal gland. Some medications as a side effect act as a aldosterone inhibitor.
The technical term for high potassium is hyperkalemia and there can be a few symptoms. These include nausea, slow/weak pulse or abnormal heart rhythms.
If the condition becomes severe, then it can become a serious problem including
complete heart block. If your levels were dangerous, you would be on medication to lower your potassium so don't get anxious. Medication can be provided to give other means for the potassium to be removed from your blood, making it a normal level.
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