An irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, is an interruption in the electrical circuit responsible for a beating heart. Symptoms include shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, slow or racing heartbeat, or you may feel no symptoms at all. Heart arrhythmias range in severity from mild to serious. If you have certain risk factors, such as history of heart disease or electrolyte imbalances, it may indicate the problem is serious and requires medical attention. A potassium deficiency, or hypokalemia, is an electrolyte imbalance that may cause heart arrhythmias.
Potassium
Potassium is a mineral that behaves like an electrolyte in the body, conducting currents that propel the heartbeat. If dietary potassium is low, or other factors, such as a diet high in sodium or consumption of diuretics that deplete potassium stores, are present, the heart's impulses may alter and cause arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias, Potassium and the Diet
Investigating your diet to determine if potassium may be the cause of the arrhythmias may be helpful for you and your doctor. Keep a record of perceived arrhythmias, accompanying symptoms and your diet, including dates and times. If the problem persists, consult a qualified health care provider.
Potassium Food Sources
Reviewing your dietary intake may reveal a potassium deficiency. Foods that contain high concentrations of potassium include all meats, fruits, vegetables, legumes and dairy products. High-sodium foods that lower potassium stores include processed, prepackaged foods such as soups, prepared pizza, Mexican food, frozen meals, sodas, potato chips and restaurant meals.
Warning
Self-diagnosing is dangerous. If you suspect a potassium deficiency is the cause of irregular heartbeat patterns, consult a physician. Increasing dietary potassium may be an effective treatment option. Do not take potassium supplements unless under the care of a health care provider, particularly if you have kidney disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
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