arrhythmia

I have been having a lot of arrhythmia. I have noticed that when I eat a banana, the arrhythmia goes away. But I'm having to eat LOTS of bananas. I had my blood checked and it showed that my potassium levels are high. That doesn't make any sense to me. If it's high, why does eating a banana make the arrhythmia go away?

[ireneo]

Potassium levels can be too high as well as too low. Can you describe what type of arrhythmia you're having?

[happyspirit]

Added beats, dropped beats, sometimes alone, sometimes in groups. I have a mitral valve prolapse, and the cardiologist says there's nothing to worry about, but I don't feel well. I just stumbled on the banana thing, and it doesn't make sense that something like potassium in a banana stops the arrhythmia, but shows up high in my blood test.

[Zachs]

It could be very possible that the bannans are acting as a antacid, yet very temporary. You could be experiencing esophugal irratiation/acid reflux which in turn can cause you to feel more symptomatic over irregular heart rhythms that are completely benign. Just my opinion, and I'm of no way a qualified physician.  Hope this helps. Zach

[happyspirit]

Wow, thanks...I hadn't even thought of that.

[SassyLassie]

I have a hiatal hernia, and acid reflux, when this acts up, I will have the "flutters"
Bananas, as we all know, are full of potassium, and this is no doubt why your "flutters" go away for awhile after you eat one. The reason the blood level may be elevated are two: One: you may be real low, and your system is grabbing all the potassium it can, thus, causing the high reading, now, I am not sure this is correct, but, I know in other cases with certain supplements, this can indeed be a reason. Two: Food gets into your system faster than a supplement, so, if you have had the banana close to the blood test, it could still be in your blood stream. That is why food-grade supplements are superior to synthetic, they assimilate faster and give you more of the nutrient.

Hope this helps.