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Potassium is a simple mineral that is important for the regulation of our heartbeat.  It, along with other electrolytes like sodium and chloride, helps to maintain the proper fluid and electrolyte balance, stimulates muscle contraction, and helps to regulate the acid and base balance in the body.  Each heart muscle needs the right balance of potassium to beat in a coordinated way with all the other heart muscles.  If you have high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias or have had heart failure it is especially important to get enough potassium.

Potassium can easily be found in our food and eating a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables will almost always ensure enough potassium in the body.  The USDA recommends that adults consume 4,700 mg of potassium per day.  Potassium-rich foods include potatoes, tomatoes, avocadoes, bananas, oranges, strawberries, spinach, peas and beans, and nuts and seeds.  Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables will also lead to other benefits such as lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.   Although the link between hypertension and cholesterol isn’t direct, many diets that lower cholesterol and blood pressure are also high in potassium.  Research has also shown that increasing potassium intake reduces the risk of stroke.

TEST DETAILS

The Potassium Test is a blood test used to measure the level of potassium in the blood.

FAQS

AM I REQUIRED TO FAST?
No
IS A DOCTOR’S ORDER REQUIRED?
No. You do not need to provide a doctor’s order to get lab testing done at Advanced Practice Clinic.
WHEN WILL I GET MY TEST RESULTS?
Test results generally take between 24 to 72 business hours after your specimen is collected.
DO I NEED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
No. You can walk in for same day testing. We make it easy for you by offering work-friendly hours.
IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MY TESTS RESULTS WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?
We recommend you share your results with your healthcare provider.