Thriathlon heart arrhythmia, shortness of breath and muscle cramping

I am a 20 year old male who has been competing in thriathlons for several years, most recently I have been experiencing arrhythmias, shortness of breath and severe leg cramping durring my races. I will even get arrhythmias up to two days after I race just sitting and resting. I do take 2 cafene pills prior to racing??? I do not eat dairy products and meat two days prior to race day but indulge in lots of carbs. On race mornings I do not eat. My only intake is sport drinks and water. Could you please tell mr why this maybe happening?

[Carey01]

My guess would be electrolyte imbalance.  I understand that low potassium can also cause arrythmia.  HAve you talked to your Dr?

[sueinns]

Definitely see your doctor for a definitive diagnosis.  By cramping, do you mean lactic acid buildup or is it sudden?  My arrhythmia has affected my running because I'm not breathing efficiently and I have more lactic acid related problems in my lower extremities.  The palpitations are always worse post-workout.  However, what I have is a benign condition and so I'll just keep "doing my thing".

[hbp702]

See a doctor.

It does sound like it could be potassium. Eating carbs raises glucose and insulin - glucose + insulin is actually given to patients with a high potassium level in order to lower it - perhaps the same thing is happening naturally with you to make a normal or low level lower.

If you check out medically, you might want to increase potassium intake, especially when you carb up. Ask your doctor first, since too much potassium can be dangerous.