low potassium levels found in blood

I just had some blood work done a couple days ago and just got the results back. Everything that was tested for came back normal all except for my potassium levels being low.

I am scheduled to see my primary on the 3rd of May but I was curious to see if I could discover some information about this prior to that visit.

I have heart palpitations and some tachycardia which is currently being looked into by a cardiologist as well. I am currently taking Atenolol 25mg once a day as treatment for this.

But I was doing some research today on causes of low potassium as well as the symptoms of this and palpitations was listed.

One thing that should be noted is these palpitations I've had, I've had for a long time, as I recognize the sensation from my teenage years, HOWEVER they only became a concern to me as well as the tachycardia in late '08.

What I am wondering is if these low levels of potassium and the arrhythmias are related. I am curious as to how they are IF they are because I did some research and there are causes ranging from kidney failure to side effects of medication... and I am really hoping it's the later.

The research I did had said that medications like Prednisone could have an effect.

I was recently on Prednisone for a very VERY short period of time for treatment of acute bronchitis, which I was diagnosed with on the 28th of March. I also started to take the prednisone as well as some prescription strength cough syrup and anitbiotics.

The prescription for the Prednisone was for 10 pills 20mg's each. I was prescribed to take 2 of those 20mg pills in the morning daily.

So that was completely finished in 5 days, as you would have figured out. I had no issues while on it except for a slight  sleeplessness.

It is now the 14th of April and my blood draw was on the 10th. Is there any way that this Predisone could still be in my system affecting my potassium levels? Is this effect in any way permanent?

I am sure these are things I could discuss with my primary but I would like to know now if possible, even though I will still bring it up to him.

I know it could be dietary as well. I do eat more grains than anything else (I have a weakness for carbohydrates).

I would just like to know if this is a possibility. I certainly hope it's nothing to do with my kidneys or anything else.

Forgive me for this being long, I hope that my information was more necessary rather than useless. I was attempting to be detailed.

Thank you in advance. I also hope I posted this to the correct forum. If not, would you please direct me to one that would be of better assistance?

Hopeful,
Amanda

[Londres70]

Amanda, have you had a low potassium lab before?  And yes, steroids can lower potassium levels.  

Secondly, low potassium can cause dysrhythmias but on the other hand a low potassium level can affect a pre-existing dysrhythmia. One thing I now for sure is that you want your potassium level always in a normal range ideally because it can affect your heart; don't want it high or low.  

Hope that helps you; the best.