Hey ectopic heartbeat sufferers, does potassium intake help with relieving the irregular beats Dr Frank maybe?

I`ve had all tests done i am on thyroid tablets for underactive the symptoms come and go, but it is so depressing.

Thanks to all. Have been suffering for 15 yrs, now surely something would have happened if serious by now. I will however go back to GP and insist further tests

Potassium levels are controlled by body homeostatic mechanisms and will under normal circumstances not be altered much by dietary intake. ( Though they will be affected by some drugs.) Theoretically abnormal potassium levels would affect heart irritability, however this is rarely severe enough to cause ectopics.

Most ectopics are in fact annoying but harmless and don't need treatment. I am sure you already know that caffeine and cigarettes tend to make things worse.

All ectopics should be fully investigated, to check there are no cardiac problems, auscultation, a chest X-Ray, full blood count, U+E ( going back to checking potassium levels), confirmation that your levothyroxine dose is correct, resting ECG and 24 hour ECG are all needed for assessment.

If no cause is found you should be reassured and they can be left untreated. However both beta blockers and other anti-arrhythmic drugs can be used to suppress them.

Taking potassium only helps if you have low potassium levels. Do not overdose your self as high potassium can also cause irregular heart beats.
So follow your doctors advise and get an appointment with cardiologist to seek 2nd opinion in event you are not satisfied with your current plan of treatment. But please, dont self medicate.

potassium supplements help only when the blood potassium level is low.
See a cardiologist to have a EKG, 24 hour holter monitoring & 2-D echocardiography.
How do you know you have irregular beats, do you feel them in your chest? If so , see your doctor early