AboutRonald Levy, M.D. Expertise Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. I am a board certified anesthesiologist who can answer all questions related to any type of Anesthesia with the exception of Pain Management.
Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. Date: 8/18/2008 Subject: potassium, magnesium
Question Dear Dr. Levy, I read your answer to someone on taking potassium. I was having regular intervals of strange heart beats-skipping - missing; along with muscle contortions in feet. I tried a cup of O.J. at night, and it literally stilled my heart rythmn and helped my muscles. I told my Doc. She said great! Since then I take one potassium suppl. daily, a multi-vitamin. I also have hypertension. I began to add 1 magnes every-other-day, w/ calcium. My BP lowered by 10 points in 8 days; I added celery seed and it lowered even more. QUESTION: Am I in danger with this added Potassium and Magnesium? I don't want my organs to poisen. I am 51, woman. I am extremely drug sensitive and tried BPdrugs, but don't like the risk of down-the-road effects.
Answer Don't take potassium without being under the supervision of a physician (same for magnesium). Both of these can cause significant cardiac problems. You should have your electrolytes checked and followed on a regular basis if you continue these meds.
Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston
