Dangerously low potassium

[Barb1]

Whilst out in Cyprus, I have had a fall making a big hole in my head but so far, nothing sinister. Except whilst doing bloods, they found that my potassium was 2.5 and said I was at risk of arrhythmia and heart attack. I am in permanent AF with a pacemaker, so I didn't really understand that. After 8 hours on a drip, my level was back to 3.6. They think it is the diuretics. I think it was the blood loss. Anyway I am to see my GP here tomorrow. Any thoughts?

[etheral]

Loop diuretics such as furosimide (Lasix) ate notorious for causing low potassium. It is unlikely that bloo.d loss would cause this.

[Hidden]

Hi Barb1, I agree with etheral that it's most likely your diuretic which caused the problem and I'm glad you are following up with your GP quickly as you may need some further help with this to prevent it happening again in future.

[meadfoot]

Diuretics most likely i think.

[Barb1]

But why all of a sudden after 12 years? The blood test 3 weeks earlier showed 3.5. I've always been borderline.

[Mrsvemb]

Most likely a combination of the diuretics and the heat. Probably causing dehydration which would lower potassium levels.

[Cha275rL]

About 40 years ago, long before I was diagnosed with AF, I was on a diuretic, ( can’t remember the name of it now) which caused low potassium. I was put on potassium tablets, which didn’t help at all, so was put on a completely different diuretic which solved the problem right away. I’d guess that’s likely your problem Barb1.

[Barb1 in reply to Cha275rL]

Thank you but I'm wondering why it is causing a problem now after all these years.

[Cha275rL]

I was on them for years before they caused a problem with me, so maybe it’s something that can happen over time. Hope you get some answers from your GP. I’d be interested to hear what he says.

[Barb1]

Thank you all. I will let you know what happens.