The heart requires many different nutrients to function properly, including electrolytes. Electrolytes help prevent abnormal heartbeats, including bradycardia, although the condition may occur for a variety of reasons. If you have an abnormal heartbeat, see your doctor to get a thorough examination and accurate diagnosis. Do not try to treat it yourself.
Bradycardia
Some individuals have a slower heart rate than others, but if your heart beat is less than 60 beats per minute, this is a condition called bradycardia. Normal heart beats are between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Very slow heartbeats can cause weakness, fatigue, problems with memory, chest pain or fainting; this is because the heart is not pumping oxygen-filled blood through the body. A pacemaker may be necessary to correct your heartbeat if you have bradycardia, unless there is an underlying condition or medication causing the slow heartbeat, in which case your doctor can address the condition to return your heartbeat to normal.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are minerals in your body fluids, including blood, which conduct electricity. Ionized calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, chloride and sodium are all electrolytes. They affect muscle movement, blood acidity and the amount of fluid in the body. Your sweat contains electrolytes, which is why you need to replace lost electrolytes when you sweat a lot. Though your body typically has a stable, adequate amount of electrolytes, various conditions, such as endocrine disorders, kidney disease, tumor lysis syndrome from chemotherapy and inadequate diet, can affect electrolyte levels. If you are concerned about your risk of problems with electrolytes, talk with your doctor.
Effect of Electrolytes on the Heartbeat
Your heartbeat is regulated by electrical impulses in your body -- and electrolytes help conduct these electrical charges. If your electrolytes are unbalanced, this can affect your heart and cause it to beat too fast or too slow. Blood tests can determine if you are lacking electrolytes. You can drink sports drinks with electrolytes after exercise to help prevent the loss of electrolytes. However, depending on the cause of your loss of electrolytes, you may also need intravenous electrolyte replacement, or make dietary changes to ensure you get appropriate amounts of electrolytes to help keep your heart beat stable.
Considerations
A variety of factors can cause bradycardia, so it is best to see your doctor if you are experiencing any changes in heartbeat. Do not try to treat your bradycardia yourself or assume it is a problem with your electrolytes. Only your doctor can accurately diagnose your bradycardia and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
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