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Low Potassium and tachycardia

Posted , 24 users are following.

welshgirl13
welshgirl13

Hi, im a active normally healthy 17 year old female. I eat well, at a good weight, have no eating disorders etc.

On the 9th of december last year, i started having chest pain and tachycardia. I was admitted to hospital and was told i have a potassium level of 2.7, my heart was going at 170bpm and had a bag of potassium fluids and 3 doses of a drug to slow my heart rate down.

A similair incident then occured on the 29th of december, potassium at 2.7 and required the drug to again slow my heart.

Now on the 26th of this month it happened again, but my potassium had dropped to 2.2 and i required 2 bags of fluids and 2 oral medicanol drinks before i was dicharged.

i have had numerous blood tests but no abnormal results, the doctors are still baffled on whats happening. 

When it happens, i feel the palpitations start and i get a sharp shooting pain up and down my chest. Since the first incident i am constantly tired and feel really sick, i keep suffering with bad headaches and joint pains. Due to my hospital being down 1 doctor, my treatment appears to keep getting delayed. When im in A&E after being admitted i am normally in there around 16+ hours before my heart rate begins to slow, i then have to finish my fluids from the iv administraation before going home.

It feels as though we are getting no where with the hospital as they cannot find whats wrong with me. 

Last night (29th Jan) i got mild chest pain and tachycardia. i was able to control it at home and slow it down myself after most the night by using the valsalvic maneovor, my heart was going around 130bpm. 

I have a blood test coming up on monday however my results always return normal. Has anyone got any feedback/input thats relevant and may help?

1 like, 53 replies

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  • amy32545
    amy32545 welshgirl13

    Posted

    Hi! 

    I know this is an old post but I am hoping you see this. I have had the same exact experience. My potassium dropped into the 2’s and was corrected in the hospital but then dropped again two different times. I woke up today feeling the familiar muscle pain and ache in my chest. My blood pressure spikes to 190/115’s. They admitted me to the hospital the last time this happened and ran some tests. My kidney function was normal and they are unsure as to why my K+ drops. I am feeling frustrated as all of this really is exhausting on my body. Did you ever figure out what the issue was? 

  • Sciack
    Sciack welshgirl13

    Posted

    Hi. I have a similar problem. My solution is very simple, take potassium supplement. I am taking it twice a day 10meq and I have it under control. I, surprised your doctor didn’t prescribed it to you. Good luck and get well soon. 
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