DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Will you write something about high blood potassium level? I received a call from my doctor regarding a high potassium reading from recent routine blood work. I am a relatively healthy, 72-year-old woman. I have gastroesophageal reflux disease. I take hydrochlorothiazide for high blood pressure.

The doctor said he would do another potassium check in a month. I have had one banana a day but have now substituted strawberries, and will eliminate potatoes from my diet. — J.A.

ANSWER: Potassium has many functions. It facilitates nerve transmission of information. It keeps the heart beating at a normal tempo. It’s important in producing muscle contractions. It maintains body electrical neutrality.

A rise in blood potassium most often is due to a malfunction of the kidneys, one of whose jobs is to maintain a normal level of that mineral. Rarely does potassium rise from potassium-rich foods if the kidneys are functioning normally. Your blood pressure pill hydrochlorothiazide ought to be lowering your potassium.

False potassium elevations are sometimes responsible for a high reading. Repeated clenching and unclenching of the fist to make veins more accessible to the lab tech drawing blood can falsely elevate potassium. A high blood count of both red and white blood cells is another reason for a spurious rise of potassium. One of these explanations might fit your high reading. Medicines called beta blockers, ACE inhibitors and ARBS — all blood pressure medicines — can elevate the potassium level. Dehydration, diabetes and a low output of hormones from the adrenal gland are other causes.

You have no symptoms. I wonder about the validity of your lab test. A second test will settle the issue. If you’re worried about this, call the doctor and ask for a repeat test sooner. High blood potassium can bring about abnormal heartbeats.

The booklet on sodium, potassium chloride and bicarbonate explain the functions of these body chemicals and how low or high readings are corrected. To obtain a copy, write: Dr. Donohue — No. 202, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Three years ago I had a cardiac defibrillator implanted. At the time, it never occurred to me that this might present a problem at airline check-ins. I don’t travel very much.

Now I have to take a trip to the West Coast. I live on the East Coast. Is it safe for me and my defibrillator to pass through the metal detectors? — C.P.

ANSWER: You can safely pass through the airport screening detectors. Tell the security personnel that you have an implanted defibrillator. They may choose to give you a hand search rather than put you through the detector.

To play it really safe, call the office of the doctor who implanted the defibrillator for confirmation.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Years ago, first-aid kits included smelling salts for reviving people who may have fainted.

Also, they were obtainable over-the-counter at drugstores. I cannot find them anymore. What happened? — J.B.

ANSWER: Smelling salts release ammonia gas. It’s an irritant that stimulates breathing and wakens a bit more quickly someone who has fainted. I guess smelling salts are not considered to be important. People naturally revive quickly from a faint. I found many sites on the Internet that provide smelling salts. I also found drugstore advertisements for them. CVS Pharmacy provides smelling salts.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Readers may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamall.com.

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