LOW Potassium/Defbrillator episodes

[MickMac]

My brother has had a pacemaker/debrillator for years.  In the last 2 years we have nearly lost him 9 times due to low potassium.  The diagnosis has been "low potassium" as the cause for his heart stopping which requires the defbrillator to shock him and bring him back.  He has been rushed to the ER and had lengthy hospital stays each time.  He is WORN OUT.

Is there any kind of home test to check potassium levels for heart patients?  Or a home test for electrolytes?  Anyone know of any type of home test that would indicate when there is a problem with the level of potassium.  My brother needs the ability to check this himself.

Thanks!

[Seeker333]

A related discussion, Spironolactone to the rescue was started.

[MickMac]

Thank you for your comment.  My brother has been taking potassium as prescribed.  The dosage has been changed time and time again.  After each episode he is monitored twice a week for his potassium level.  Monitoring then tapers off to once per week after a couple months.  Then it happens again.  Is there a test for electrolytes or sodium....any type of test that would give him a clue where his potassium level is?  Just thinking there may be a test for something else which would be an indicator of low potassium.
Thank you so very much.

[Douglas Bogart, MD]

I don't know of any home test for potassium.  Certain medications help keep the potassium up such as spironolactone.