Do i take too much potassium seeing as how i have congestive heart failure?

i thought the mineral are needed for the bio chemstry to keep me old ticker going. had a 4-way a while back plus i have t2 dyubetes, too. have all the listed signs of congestive heart failure. what about the K? what about a sure fire test of some kind. had an infarction and open heart surgery. left only does about 50% they said. anybody smart out there? i mean medical smart?

Well, this question needs to be broken down, but be patient, because each part needs to be explained in its entirety for this to make sense.

So you know why I know this, I'm a Paramedic/Nurse and I'm a consultant and contributor for the American Heart Association (accredited fellow).

Potassium is a useful electrolyte that is essential in all muscle (including cardiac) contraction. But, like anything, too much of a good thing is a bad thing. I'll get into the details on this, after I touch on your medical history, and its effects.

First of all, Diabetes is one of the most destructive diseases you can have. It wreaks havoc on your entire body, from your Heart, Liver, Kidneys, Arteries, and even your eyes. Based upon your history, I wouldn't be suprised if you also have high blood pressure. Either of those two things, especially both, can (and likely will) cause congestive heart failure.

As for the rest of your question, now that I review it more, I can't really understand all of what you're talking about. If you could post a clarification with exactly what you've undergone, I could give better, more specific advise.

But ultimately, regulate your potassium intake, don't take too much.

Well, I am a heart patient too, and I have heard that potassium is bad for the heart, which is awkward because I tend to use it as a replacement for sodium with some salt substitutes.

im guessing youre probably on multiple blood pressure meds, which can alter your potassium (some can raise it some lower it). the doctors can measure the amount of potassium with a simple blood test. if youre worried about it, ask them to look into. chances are though that they are keeping an eye on it. but it definetly wouldnt hurt to ask and make sure that they are. i wouldnt start doctoring yourself with potassium, especially if you have heart problems because like you said an appropriate balance is essential for proper function and if it gets way out of whack (either too high or low) you can get arrythmias.

potassium is a neccesary electrolyte for your body, but too much can be bad so dont take any more than what your doctors prescribe. the key is balance. let your doctors figure out much you need to supplement with if any at all and follow their instructions. sometimes that is none, other times it is several pills a day

You should be careful about the amount of potassium you take. The amount of potassium in the blood stream is regulated by the kidneys. In diabetes, it is not unusual to have a compromise of the kidneys.

The real problem is that you can have a heart attack if you take too much potassium, and if you lose two much.

I would suggest that you not take potassium supplements without a prescription from the physician. He needs to monitor the K in your blood, to be sure you stay in the middle.

Good Luck.

You need to be getting potassium level testing on a regular basis if you're on a potassium supplement. Lots of time potassium is prescribed when you're also taking a diuretic. But the potassium levels have to be monitored. Too much potassium is very bad!

Please see the web page for more details on Hyperkalemia.

my husband is on slow K because he cannot hold potassium.
he is at risk of having a heart attack