Calcium and heart rhythm

[suznkelley]

I also get arrhythmias from calcium supplements.  (Calcium citrate) I am positive this is the cause.  I have performed tests.  I can stop and start them and measure the changes.  I get some PVCs and atrial fib anyway.  But the calcium makes it a whole lot worse.  The more calcuim, the worse.  On 630 mg day 20% of my heartbeats are abnormal.  They gave me atenolol but I had a bad reaction, could hardly stand up.  (I have lowish blood pressure anyway.)  I'm on metoprolol now, which helps.  But when I started the calcium again, the arrhythmias broke through.  No more calcium for me!  Which is probably not a good thing, as I'm lactose intolerant and can't eat it.

There are articles on the 'net about genetic defects in the calcium-handling genes that can cause arrhythmias, and also similar reactions to antidepressants and other meds.   This is a newish discovery, apparently.

[Cleveland Clinic]

It is unlikely that the calcium is causing any arrhythmias, as the arrhythmias you are referring to involve mainly atrial tissue in which conduction tissue is dependent mainly on sodium not calcium. In any case, there is no connection between oral calcium intake and serum levels, much less intracellular calcium concentrations. I have never read or heard of any rational logical explanation for how this would mechanistically work, and suspect this is related to your perception of it.
The genetic defects you refer to involve abnormal handling of calcium, and abnormalities in de and repolarization, which are quite different from taking calcium supplementation with normal calcium levels.

[bigfraidycat]

A related discussion, palpitations and hot flashes was started.

[marlinspike]

I share your frustration in trying to identify the cause of pacs/pvcs. I find certain things can trigger them - a heavy meal, stress, even going outside when it is very, very cold - yet mostly they come and go without any reason. I would love to know what actually caused mine in the first place. They are much less frequent than when I was first diagnosed - I would love to be able to tell everyone what made them diminish so they could do the same, but I can't identify any significant cahnge that could be responsible, Strangely, although they are fewer, I now feel them in my chest whereas I didn't before.

This forum has been instrumental in helping me understand my missed beats and I learn something every time I visit.

[suznkelley]

Thanks so much for the explanation.  Could having salted popcorn cause  arrhythmias?  How about B6 supplements?  I appreciate your help very much!

[suznkelley]

I should have posted this as a reply to another question.  Sorry.  First time.

All my labs were normal; Eco, EKGs, Holter, etc.  I got a big surge in arrhythmias (type and number) when my GYN recommended taking calcium.  I'm trying to ID things that impact it, caffine, sugar, salt, etc., and realized the calcium sup., even 315 mg, causes a surge.

For sure, being low in calcium, magnesium, potassium and other things can cause them, I understand.  Thanks for the reply.

[marlinspike]

I was interested to read your comments. I was diagnosed with 'multiple ectopics' after an operation 4 years ago. They only came to light after I was discharged from hospital and told to see my own doctor because I had low calcium in my blood. At the appointment, she took my pulse and sent me to the ER. I was told I was ok after some tests and blood tests seem to show the calcium issue had corrected itself.

However, these missed beats continue to cause me discomfort and massive anxiety, and I have always questioned what caused my ectopics - I felt it was too much general anaesthetic at the op (I was unwell afterwards), but often wondered if the low blood calcium was in some way connected.

I believe this section is for people to ask the doctor a question - you may wish to explain what you are are asking a bit more clearly. If not, maybe the doctor could expand on the role of calcium in arrythmias.