Login or Register

Excess Potassium in Urine

Aug 9, 2011 | By Cindy Hill

Potassium is a mineral that aids in the function of all cells and organs; it is necessary for heart function and smooth muscle contraction. Excess potassium in the urine may simply indicate that the you have consumed large amounts of potassium, since most excess potassium is excreted by the kidneys into the urine. However, high urine potassium levels can also indicate several serious health conditions.

Urine Testing

Physicians use a potassium urine test to measures the amount of potassium in the urine. Doctors test potassium levels following an illness that causes dehydration through vomiting or diarrhea, or when a kidney or adrenal disorder is suspected. Your doctor may conduct this test with a random sample or a 24-hour urine sample. If you need to supply a 24-hour sample on the day of the test, urinate into the toilet the first thing in the morning. Afterward, collect all your urine for the next 24 hours in a special container provided by your doctor or medical testing facility. Keep the sample container refrigerated when it's not in use. Normal potassium levels are 25 to 120 mEq/L per day.

Dietary Causes

Dietary sources of potassium include a wide variety of healthful foods including sweet potatoes, beans, yogurt and fish. Consuming high levels of potassium may result in excess levels in the urine. Maintaining the proper levels of potassium requires a balance of potassium, magnesium and sodium intake, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Low magnesium levels can cause excess potassium excretion. Reducing sodium intake and increasing leafy green vegetables and whole grains to bolster magnesium intake can help maintain appropriate potassium levels.

Disease Indications

Abnormally high levels of potassium in the urine may indicate a number of adrenal or renal disorders. Acute tubular necrosis, or damage to kidney cells due to lack of oxygen, can raise urine potassium levels. This condition may be found in diabetics, in persons with liver disease, after an injury or surgery that damages the kidneys, or in response to a blood transfusion. Hyperaldosteronism is a disorder of the adrenal gland that often indicates a benign adrenal gland tumor. This condition can also lead to excess potassium in the urine. Eating disorders or a recent illness involving vomiting or diarrhea can also disrupt normal urine potassium levels.

Hyperglycemia

High levels of potassium in urine may indicate hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, and its extreme form, diabetic ketoacidosis. Hyperglycemia can cause cells to jettison their internal potassium content into the bloodstream. This excess of potassium in the blood is then filtered out by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. While the urine potassium levels may be high, the body cells are devoid of the potassium necessary to function. Immediate treatment with fluids containing electrolytes including potassium is necessary to counter this potentially dangerous condition.

References

Article reviewed by Mia Paul Last updated on: Aug 9, 2011

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments