heart healthy diet
Potassium
SN instructed patient and caregiver that potassium is available in foods such as asparagus, tomatoes and green leafy vegetables such as spinach. Some salt substitutes contain potassium. Avoid fruits like bananas and oranges if you are on a diabetic diet. If levels drop too low or spike too high, your heart function suffers, becoming slow or erratic, a condition known as arrhythmias. Because abnormal potassium levels greatly impact your heart function and can ultimately lead to a heart attack, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s advice carefully. Most common reasons for potassium loss is from vomiting, diarrhea, laxative use and diuretic use.
SN provided teaching regarding hypokalemia. Low potassium (hypokalemia) refers to a lower than normal potassium level in your bloodstream. Potassium helps carry electrical signals to cells in your body. It is critical to the proper functioning of nerve and muscles cells, particularly heart muscle cells. S/s include weakness, muscle cramps, heart palpitations, and constipation. SN instructed that patient should report any of these to her nurse promptly. Verbal understanding noted.