DEAR DR. GOTT: Can you please address high potassium levels? My husband’s level went from 4.6 in 2008 to 5.6 in 2009. Other than food that is high in potassium, what could cause the level to jump? Should he be on a restricted diet? Can exercise bring it down?

His physical this year did show his total cholesterol level rose, mainly his LDL to 143, HDL to 77 and triglycerides to 115. His blood pressure is normal.

We would welcome any advice, as this is all new to us. I did search the Internet but was unable to find an answer.

DEAR READER: Potassium is important for the function of nerve and muscle cells. Common causes of elevated levels (known as hyperkalemia) are acute or chronic kidney failure. A normal blood-potassium level is between 3.6 and 4.8 milliequivalents per liter, known as mEq/L. Levels above 6.0 can be the result of type 1 diabetes; Addison’s disease; angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors; alcoholism; heavy drug use; severe injury, such as burns, that cause destruction of red blood cells; and potassium supplements.
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