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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Heart Palpitations And Low Potassium Level?

I took azithromycin about 3 weeks ago...everything seemed fine..last Sunday I went to the ER for heart palpitations but all the tests were fine except for a low potassium level...the palpitations are still occurring and I m scared...i have to wait for financial approval for more tests
Mon, 27 Jul 2015
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,
I had gone through your query and understand your concern.

Short answer: Low potassium level causes palpitations.

Detailed answer:
Thanks for asking on HCM.

Low potassium level in the body is known to cause abnormal heart rythm. This is the cause for your palpitations.
Low potassium lever is may be due to
01) Low intake in the diet
02) Loss of potassium because of diarrhea or excessive sweating
03) loss through urine when on diuretics
04) Hormonal imbalance

Treatment depends on the severity. If it is mild you will be put on oral potassium supplements. if it is severe then you may need intra venous correction of potassium level. Once the potassium level is corrected your palpitations will go away. Tender coconut, ripe banana are good dietary source of potassium.

Hope this helps.

If you have any other query, feel free to ask.

regards,
dr.prathap kumar
I find this answer helpful

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What Causes Heart Palpitations And Low Potassium Level?

Hello, I had gone through your query and understand your concern. Short answer: Low potassium level causes palpitations. Detailed answer: Thanks for asking on HCM. Low potassium level in the body is known to cause abnormal heart rythm. This is the cause for your palpitations. Low potassium lever is may be due to 01) Low intake in the diet 02) Loss of potassium because of diarrhea or excessive sweating 03) loss through urine when on diuretics 04) Hormonal imbalance Treatment depends on the severity. If it is mild you will be put on oral potassium supplements. if it is severe then you may need intra venous correction of potassium level. Once the potassium level is corrected your palpitations will go away. Tender coconut, ripe banana are good dietary source of potassium. Hope this helps. If you have any other query, feel free to ask. regards, dr.prathap kumar