| ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) the rate at which red blood cells
(Erythrocytes) settle out of a suspension in blood plasma, measured
under standardized conditions.
The ESR increases if the level of certain proteins in the plasma rises,
as in rheumatic diseases, chronic infections and malignant disease, and
thus provides a simple but valuable screening test for these
conditions.
>And also what problems with potassium levels could be an indication
>of.
Lots of things.
Jamie.
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| Are you asking about Potassium levels because your potassium level
isn't normal? Just curious. I have a chronic problem with my
potassium levels. My body always runs at a low-normal (3.0 - 3.1)
levels and it could drop anytime for seemingly any reason. My
diagnosis was Bartters Syndrome. I asked questions about
low-potassium in topic #125 and got some very interesting replies.
I take potassium supplements daily along with Ibuprofin (400mg) to
help decrease the amount of potassium I lose. I also have had
to take magnesium supplements as well.
I always know when my potassium goes below the 3.0-3.1 range because of
the following symptoms:
dizziness, headaches, muscle spasms, heart palpitations.
Probably the most predominant symptom (that I have) is the muscle
spasms and achiness which makes it uncomfortable to even sit or lay
down or have anything press against the muscles in the back of my legs.
When I start to feel like this, I increase my daily supplement of
potassium and after a couple of days it starts to relieve the
discomfort.
The only problem is that I can not continue to take the higher dosage
of potassium (which would suit my doctor a lot better) for more than a
few days at a time, because it tears my stomach to pieces.
Low Potassium levels can be dangerous. I have had minor surgeries
canceled because my potassium level dropped below 3.0.
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