New to AF

[Mismarswe]

Does anyone else have low potassium and magnesium?

[secondtry]

I haven't tested for 3 years but previously my magnesium level has always been at the bottom of the range; my Naturopath said for AF it and also the CoQ10 level should be at the top of the range! I understand calcium can be a blocker for Mg absorption and my diet is high in dairy products which I find hard to significantly reduce - this could be the reason. 🤞in conjunction with Fleacinide & other lifestyle changes AF has not returned.

Potassium levels are middle range but I eat well including a banana most days, as I don't want to get complacent in any area.

[Budken]

When I had my initial episode of Afib, my Magnesium and Potassium levels were amost nil. Thy gave me both intravenously. I now take supplements every day 400 mg Magnesium and Potassium.

[ozziebob in reply to Budken]

Did you ever find a reason why your magnesium and potassium levels were "almost nil"? I'm struggling to think your diet was that bad, or was it an individual systemic issue?

Vitamin D is also important re prevention of arrhythmias, so have you ever had this tested?

[marcyh]

I've had to go on potassium. I couldn't raise it enough with diet. Magnesium is on the low end of normal but I can't tolerate it.

[Ktomoph_]

yes....blood test results have recently shown low potassium levels. The cause in my case is the diuretic furosemide of which I take 100mg daily.

The GP has given me potassium supplements and the levels will be tested again next week. My diet is pretty healthy but the furosemide really isnt selective in the way it works.

I was also on spironolactone for quite a while which is a 'potassium sparing' diuretic, but 'process of elimination' made me realise that the very painful full leg cramps I suffered were a side affect from spironolactone - it is listed as a possible side affect but only a few people get them.

Currently the cardiologist wants to stop the furosemide and replace it with eplerenone and bumetanide - I am still reading all I can about these 2 meds......

my heart issues are: HF - fitted with a CRT-D device 5+half years ago; also AF which returned last year despite the device; CKD - apparently caused by the meds keeping me alive; psoriasis; IBS; and recent tests now showing liver damage. I have also been suffering with oedema for past few months, possibly after return of AF, but cannot cope with increase in furosemide. The CRT-D is working hard to help but I have been advised that this will affect battery life (replaceable), hence why there is a need to find alternative diuretics.

Sometimes the information given online is all very confusing as it often contradicts the reasons given by the specialists for changing some of the meds, and also the warnings given about 'not' taking if you have CKD or liver damage, or your potassium levels are low etc...

Diagnosis of heart issues has been an interesting learning curve and although I know so much more than I actually ever wanted to know regarding anything medically related, I still wake and wonder what I will be able to manage or achieve for that day.....even whether I can actually get out of the bed without too much ungainly effort!

I would be really interested to hear from anyone who has changed from furosemide to eplerenone AND bumetanide...

[Mismarswe in reply to Ktomoph_]

I was on Furosemide for years, then they c hanged me to Bendroflumethiazide but since my potassium and magnesium levels dropped they have taken me off this too so I'm not on any diuretics at the moment. I eat well, food is all freshly prepared, no fast foods but I am on anti rejection meds (kidney transplant) which they think are depleting the potassium but who knows. Between never ending blood tests, ECG Monitors and hospital appointments, I hope they can resolve the problem.

[Ktomoph_ in reply to Mismarswe]

oh yes indeed the anti rejection meds do sound like the culprit for ejecting your potassium and magnesium, although I am guessing it will take a while for the kidney transplant to adjust and fit into your body's requirements and regime.

You are in good hands so stay positive and know that the issue will be resolved....but I recognise what you feel about all the tests, prods and pokes and constant changes. Stay strong, and wishing you the best for a back-to-normal daily life!

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

Have a banana a day. JOY