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Minerals and Heart Palpitations

Richard H. Hongo

Richard H. Hongo, M.D., FACC

Mills-Peninsula Medical Center

Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation

California Pacific Medical Center

Question:

Does a lack of minerals cause a quivering heart?

Answer:

When the level of certain electrolytes in the blood gets low, this can cause more extra heart beats (premature atrial complexes, premature ventricular complexes) and also promote more abnormal heart rhythm, especially if you have an underlying heart rhythm problem. This can lead to you feeling palpitations that can be characterized as a "quivering heart." More palpitations can certainly be more annoying, but it does not necessarily mean that it is dangerous to you. Usually, if you have no prior history of heart problems, the palpitations are more of an annoyance.

If the palpitations bother you enough, then a doctor can order a heart rhythm monitor that you can wear at home. This will record what your rhythm is doing when you are having palpitations and help you and your doctor decide what to do. The most common electrolytes that can cause palpitations when they get low are potassium and magnesium. I would caution against taking extra supplements of electrolytes (or minerals) without consulting your doctor, however, because if your kidneys are not able to get rid of the extra electrolytes in your blood, too high a level of certain electrolytes can be life-threatening.

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