SVT and potassium

Has anyone here used potassium or a potassium enriched diet to combat SVT's? I had been attempting to take magnesium which has reportedly helped with SVT's, but never did a dang thing for me.

I have eaten a banana or more a day for over a week, and I the boosted potassium levels seem like they are helping? Just curious if this is a coincidence, but I have read that potassium and magnesium both can help regulate the heart's electrical system.

Thanks
DC Pacer

8 Comments

Potassium and Magnesium

by sam78 - 2009-07-06 10:07:09

I have had about 5 years of SVT and I have had a certain connection with my potassium. I have to keep a potassium level of 4 or greater. Like scad said, it is not the cure-all but both magnesium and potassium help with mine. Good luck (Also just so you know the potassium over the counter is EXTREMELY small amount of potassium so if you really want to boost your levels you gotta to eat high potassium foods and possibly take prescription dose of potassium). Magnesium is ok over the counter.

Potassium

by scadnama - 2009-07-06 10:07:39

I have taken potassium supplements for about a year and a half now. If my potassium gets really low, I end up in the hospital with arrhythmia's.

For me, potassium has never cured my SVT, but it definitely gets worse when my levels are too low.

I also take calcium and magnesium to help regulate my heart rate.

K & Mg Requirements

by J.B. - 2009-07-06 11:07:05

A word of caution. if you don't mind. Both magnesium and potassium are essential to maintaining a regular heart rhythm, but too much of either of these elements can cause your heart to be in big trouble. Check with you doctor before you experiment very much.

J.B.

Thanks for the warning J.B.

by ted - 2009-07-07 03:07:51

Thank you J.B. Potassium is what they use to execute prisoners sentenced to death. Of course, small doses are beneficial. As I am on diuretics, I must take potassium supplements, but I have to be closely monitored. There are times in this group and other groups on the internet, when irresponsible "advice" is handed out. We should always be ready to step in and speak up when someone could be hurt.

Playing with fire

by Angelie - 2009-07-07 09:07:45

It is very dangerous to take vitamins and supplements without your doctor's approval. The consequences can be lethal. Too much magnesium and potassium can cause your heart to stop beating. Educate yourself in the precautions and side effects of all over the counter, and prescription medicines.



Hypermagnesemia Symptoms
• Weakness, nausea and vomiting
• Impaired breathing
• Hypotension
• Hypocalcemia
• Arrhythmia and Asystole (cardiac arrest)
Arrhythmia and asystole are possible cardiac complications of hypermagnesemia. Magnesium acts as physiologic calcium blocker, which results in electrical conduction abnormalities.
Clinical consequences related to serum concentration:
•4.0 mEq/l hyporeflexia
•>5.0 mEq/l Prolonged atrioventricular conduction
•>10.0 mEq/l Complete heart block
•>13.0 mEq/l Cardiac arrest

Hyperpotassemia
Abnormally high potassium concentration in the blood, most often due to defective renal excretion. It is characterized clinically by electrocardiographic abnormalities (elevated T waves and depressed P waves, and eventually by atrial asystole). In severe cases, weakness and flaccid paralysis may occur.

apparently some clarification needed

by sam78 - 2009-07-08 01:07:51

(Not to step on any toes here) just clarifying

DC Pacer, do you have any kidney problems??

If NO then it can certainly help by eating a DIET high in potassium. It may be a coincidence but having a higher potassium and magnesium level is clinically proven to decrease SVT. Magnesium is proven to decrease the irritability of the heart. Magnesium supplements are extremely safe assuming you listen to your body. Magnesium is essentially a laxative when used in high doses. Most people get diarrhea with doses over 500 mg. Be aware of the dosages of supplements and listen to your body. If you do NOT have kidney problems, it is rare to get too high of levels of magnesium and potassium as your body just excretes what it doesnt need.

As with any supplement or medication you need to be aware of side affects and do's and dont's.

I assume if you are on here you likely get regular labs. Next time you see your physician ask what your levels are. Eating a diet high in potassium is almost always has positive impacts on your life (again assuming you DO NOT have kidney problems).

not your fault

by sam78 - 2009-07-08 02:07:57

Hey DC not your fault it got spun off to other issues. If you want a good article about the link I can certainly give one to ya.... if not I guess you got a couple personal stories about the help of it. DEFINITELY helped me. I swear everytime I have to go the hospital for heart issues, I always end up getting extra potassium. Like I said, definitely not a cure-all but your SVT is like mine, ANYTHING that helps with the stupid SVT is a blessing.

could have been more specific - sorry

by DC Pacer - 2009-07-08 07:07:15

Thanks to all who responded.

sam78, you are correct in that I should have been more specific. I do not have any kidney issues whatsoever, and outside of needing the pacemaker for HB I am an extremely healthy individual. No regular labs or anything. I was taking OTC magnesium supplements in low doses along with a magnesium enriched diet (spinach, sunflower seeds) and saw no impact with my SVT.

I am now on a potassium enriched diet, which basically means a banana to a banana and a half a day. That is where I have seen the difference in the reduced SVT occurences. I will definitely talk to my doctor, but also did not want to send the message that self medicating with supplements is a good idea. I was more curious about the potassium SVT link.

Thanks all!

DC

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