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Wondering about possible electrolyte imbalance

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CDM2
CDM2

Hi.  I posted a version of this to the atrial fibrillation forum. I have PAF (paroxysmal atrial fibrilation) ... and am on flecainide (50mg), verapamil (180) and 325mg aspirin.  I'm also on 5 mg of Crestor. I had the worst summer ever.  I developed hyponatremia.!!  (Low sodium).  I don't usually add salt to anything I eat, and now I find myself eating potato chips, deli sandwiches and lots of V8 type juice.  I'm wondering if my electrolytes are all wonky and if anyone else with afib has had electrolyte problems.   Before I had to start taking meds I used to be very very athletic and never had heat stroke or anything like that.  Heat was never a problem.  Now it is.  I did find 2 instances in the medical literature about flecainide and hyponatremia but my GP who is really caring and thorough doesn't think that this is the cause.  I actually developed hyponatremia for 4 days and had projectile vomiting.  I felt like the water I was drinking was just not getting into my cells.   Anyways: I'm really worried about my "Deli therapy". It seems to work (my doc smiled and agreed) but I'm worried about to much salt in my diet raising my normally low BP.  So.  I'm asking you all. I'm in Canada, in Victoria BC

1 like, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Frank79
    Frank79 CDM2

    Posted

    Hi, did you find out what was wrong? I might have some strange electrolyte issues too. Especially if I eat foods with more potassium. I get extremely thirsty and it feels like no matter how much I drink, it just doesn't do it.
    • CDM2
      CDM2 Frank79

      Posted

      I'm stil not sure I did.  I think it was hyponatremia.  But it might have been a combination of things: heat exhaustion, gastritis, and electrolyte imbalance.  I think I might have irritated my stomach eating too much raw garlic, and affected liquid absorption.  Anyways:  I'm on the lookout for next summer... in terms of being conscious about heat: wear a hat, up salt intake, drink fluids, ...  I'll let you know next summer!!!  You stay well!
    • Frank79
      Frank79 CDM2

      Posted

      Thanks. I do feel like it stays better in me the more salt I add to the water. But I have a whole host of other issues with might lead to this state. I should also stay away from things that irritate the stomach, as I too have issues with that. I did drink a bunch of orange juice and eat a lot of garlic and ginger. I'll try to back off of those and see how it goes.
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