PVC's and tachycardia

[redtaytom]

I went to the ER last week after having some EKG's done in doc's office that keep coming up abnormal and I had been feeling bad few days before.  My EKG was fine and my potassium was low.  The Doc said I probably had a bout of SVT and sent me home with a few days of potassium pills.  That was a week and half ago.  The last two night I have had a racing heart (tachy 100 or bpm lying down) and feel very fatigued.  I have a cardiologist appointment in six days but am concerned about this tachy at night.  I have a history of PVC's but am worried about how I am feeling and what I should do.  

[redtaytom]

Hi.  I was feeling a bit better and haven't taken a potassium pill in a week (my level was 3.1).  I keep feeling like I am going to cramp in my hands and feet, muscle spasms, and really tired.  i have been drinking a glass of v-8 each day and eating a banana (the doc said one banana should put me where I need to be).  The muscle spasms or twitching around my body started last night and I could not sleep.  Should I asked to have my potassium checked again?  The doctor said low potassium could be something very serious yet just checked my blood after being on suppliments and that is it.  I am really concerned and feel like crap!  Any advice you may have to give would be appreciated.

[Dr Sharma]

Hi there. You are suffering from the effects of hypokalemia or potassium deficiency. Mild hypokalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, myalgia, muscle cramps, and constipation. Certain ecg findings are flattened or inverted Twave, a U wave, ST depression, and a wide PR interval. Mild hypokalemia could be treated with oral potassium chloride supplements and nutritional supplements like bananas, oranges, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables etc. The tachycardia at night is most likely due to anxiety and stress of an upcoming cardiologist appointment. Hope this helps. Take care.

[caregiver222]

Just relax and let things settle down. Your physician made a good guess about the potassium being the problem. SVT is also ocasionally caused by low magnesium and resolved by a magnesium glycinate supplement. Consult your cardiologist. And it takes a few days for things to sort themselves out. A rate of 100 is not exceptionally fast, although over 100 technically qualifies as tachycardia. If the rate goes over 110, it is time to be concerned. In any event do not hesitate to call 911 (do not drive yourself) to the emergency room if you have another episode that you feel endangers your life. The fatigue may or may not be due to cardiac insufficiency. Let's not jump to conclusions.