What Does it Mean If Your Urine Has Too Much Potassium?

A urine test is generally a routine step in the evaluation process; however, this seemingly simple test should not be overlooked, as it can test important levels of nutrients in your body. For example, if you have too much potassium in your urine, it could result in several medical conditions, ranging from muscle cramps to vomiting.

The Test

• While a single sample urine test (a sample is taken from one stream of urine) can be completed to test for potassium, a 24-hour urine collection is more likely to be requested. Upon waking up empty your bladder, but do not save this urine. Note the time, and begin your 24-hour test collection. For the next 24 hours, urinate in the container your doctor provides and keep it refrigerated.

What Potassium Does

• Potassium acts as a regulator for the water and electrolyte levels in your body, making sure the proper amount of water is retained inside and kept outside the cells. This process keeps your muscles and nerves working properly.

How High

• In most cases, the normal range is 25 to 120 milliequivalents (unit of measure) per liter per day. But, this will vary depending on how much potassium you eat or ingest along with the natural level of potassium your body produces. Since sodium levels will impact potassium levels, a diet high in sodium can lead to a potassium imbalance and result in water retention and swelling.

High Levels

• If a urine test shows your potassium level is high this may be an indication of a more serious health problem and further tests will be conducted.

What Happens

• Symptoms of too much potassium include diarrhea, weakness in limbs, muscle cramps or spasms, irritability and vomiting.