Err... lol?

Question

I had a leg cramp today when I woke up, right, and Ice had leg cramps before so I know it might be lack of potassium. I called my mom and asked if I could take 400mg motrin (It really hurts!) Blah blah, and she told me to eat a Banana which I did. She also told me my heart could stop w/o potassium. So i took the motrin and I know that slows everything down. NOW im paranoid of my heart stopping. Is this possible now?

In reply to molly, I know Im low on sodium:D I have a very low Bp.

Answer 1

the generic name of motrin is Ibuprofen, it is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. it has nothing to do with your heart.,

now the normal potassium range is 3.7 to 5.2 mEq/L. if the body is requiring more and immediate source isn't available the the hormone aldosterone regulates it.

Small changes in the potassium concentration outside cells can have substantial effects on the activity of nerves and muscles. This is particularly true of heart muscle. Low levels of potassium cause increased activity (which can lead to an irregular heartbeat), whereas high levels cause decreased activity. Either situation can lead to cardiac arrest in some circumstances.

so if ur paranoid, you can eat as much banana as you want.

taking potassium supplements or potassium-containing drugs is of no consequences. because the kidneys efficiently dispose of excess potassium.

goodluck!

Answer 2

I wouldn't worry at your age about a potassium deficiency. Yes, your heart needs a certain amount of potassium to maintain its functioning. Too little potassium is bad, as is too much. The chances of a healthy young person having a deficiency is not common. The most common loss of potassium is through diarrhea. Leg crams can be cause by muscles being stretched and then contracting too fast (Charley horse). Stretching will help this alot. There are certain disease that can cause leg cramps too, but I am going on the assumption that you are a healthy young person. Cramps are normal and shouldn't be a problem. Talk with your doctor if they get to be really bothersome. Have you just started any new exercise routines? STRETCHING is the key to avoiding cramps if that is the case....before and after exercise! Motrin helps with the muscle inflammation.....but I wouldn't be extra concerned at this time about your heart stopping.......stop being paranoid! (Registered Nurse - 23 years)

Answer 3

Motrin will not make your heart stop. And your potassium level would have to be very low or very high to affect your heartbeat. To keep your potassium normal, eat a banana or drink a glass of orange juice every day.

Low calcium can also cause leg cramps, so be sure you get enough calcium from milk, cottage cheese or yogurt every day.

Answer 4

Lol!.. Yes but that would take years. You might be low on vitamin B12. If you have a daily rigorous excersize routine, you could be low on sodium(salt).

If THAT is what's causing it, then drink some Gatorade. It's rich in sodium. It replaces the salt in your body from persperation.

That's why athletes drink it. It prevents leg cramps.

Answer 5

Forget the banana and have something salty, like pretzels, chips, etc. You lose more sodium through perspiration than you ever will potassium. I work outdoors and this comes from experience

Answer 6

No, you would have to have a huge deficiency of potassium before you would have any health problems. Your entire body would be a giant cramp and you would have to be severly dehydrated.

Answer 7

if u worried about it u wun waste ur time typing this looong qns wud u dear?

Answer 8

i dont think its impossible but i wouldnt worry too much