Potassium is an electrolyte essential for proper functioning of all organs, tissues and cells in the body. The heart uses potassium to conduct electricity, enabling the heart to beat. Too much or too little potassium causes serious side effects and can be fatal. Most people get enough potassium in their diet from dairy, meat and many fruits and vegetables.
Bradycardia
A normal adult heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute. Bradycardia is when the heart beats slower than 60 beats per minute. A person who is very physcially fit may have a very slow heart rate that poses no problems. Potassium, along with other electrolytes, is needed to conduct electrical signals that enable the heart to beat properly. If potassium levels are too high or too low, abnormal rhythms can occur, including bradycardia.
Normal Potassium Levels
The normal range for potassium is 3.6 to 4.8 milliequivalents per liter. Potassium levels below 2.5 mEq/L can be fatal and require immediate emergency treatment. Symptoms of low potassium include muscle cramps, bradycardia and other abnormal heart rhythms, constipation, weakness and fatigue. If bradycardia occurs, it can cause dizziness, fainting and lightheadedness. Severe bradycardia can cause chest pain, high blood pressure and heart failure.
Foods High in Potassium
Just 1 cup of canned tomato paste with no added salt has 2,657 mg of potassium, according to the USDA. In contrast, a banana only has about 422 mg but is still an excellent source of potassium. Other high potassium foods include artichokes, papaya, winter squash and halibut.
Cautions
Many medications can interact with potassium and affect potassium levels, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If your doctor prescribes potassium, be sure to provide a list of medications you take, including any supplements. Common drugs which can increase potassium levels include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, ACE inhibitors to treat high blood pressure and certain beta-blockers. Diuretics such as Lasix may cause potassium levels to drop. Your doctor may monitor your potassium levels when changing your medications. Do not supplement with over-the-counter potassium without talking to your doctor first.
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