High Potassium drink -- bad for heart rhythm?

[DeltaDawn23]

I recently discovered cocoanut water and find it very refreshing and low in calories and carbs.  Problem is, it has around 600 mgs. of potassium and I'm wondering if that can be a good thing for those of use who have heart rhythm issues.  Any insight will be appreciated.  Thanks.

[DeltaDawn23]

Just to be sure -- I am taking Norpace XR, Atenolol, Xanax, Synthroid, Zantac, and Metformin.  I have normal kidney function.

[DeltaDawn23]

Thank you so much for the info -- I will feel free to have a glass of chilled coconut water now and then.  There are many limitations -- caffeine, sugar, carbs -- in my diet that it is great to find something I can enjoy guilt free and know I am not causing myself additional problems.

[CCFHeartMD 15]

Hello. If your kidneys are normal and you are not taking medications that increase the potassium level in the blood (e.g. spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene), you should not have problems with an extra dose of potassium (i.e. coconut water). Normal kidneys are great in terms of eliminating extra potassium to maintain a physiologic range. In terms of heart arrhythmias, the risk of triggering an episode of arrhythmia is higher when the potassium level is in the lower range than when is normal or in the normal higher range.

Good luck.