Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 8/18/2008

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