Electrolytes and heart palpitations: what to know

Sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium help electrical signals travel through heart muscle. Vomiting, diarrhoea, heavy sweating, dehydration, kidney problems and some medicines can disturb this balance. Palpitations may feel like pounding, fluttering, skipped beats or racing. Anaemia, low blood sugar, thyroid overactivity, anxiety and rhythm conditions can also present with palpitations; feeling them does not establish one diagnosis.

Sit down, avoid strenuous activity, and note when the sensation starts, how long it lasts and whether the rhythm feels regular. Avoid taking potassium or other electrolyte products to treat palpitations unless prescribed. Bring a list of medicines, supplements, illnesses and recent fluid loss to an appointment. A clinician may check your pulse, blood pressure, ECG and blood chemistry, depending on the episode.

Call emergency services for palpitations with chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, new confusion, or collapse. Seek prompt medical advice for a sustained fast or irregular heartbeat, repeated episodes, or symptoms with weakness or dizziness. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint. Urgency depends on the associated symptoms and rhythm, not simply on whether an electrolyte drink might help.

Could a medicine, thyroid problem, anaemia or fluid loss be involved? Should I have an ECG or electrolyte tests? What should I do if the sensation returns?