I have been on the ketogenic diet for 6 weeks and have had a tachycardia and high blood pressure for this time. I have no prior heart problems. 53yo female weighing 111 lbs. Normal hr is 60 and blood pressure 100/70.
Currently, my hr is 100 resting and blood pressure is 156/99. Im not too concerned due to my not having any other symptoms. It seems this could be attributed to many things. I have seen this concern being discussed on many forums, but I wanted to present my case here and hear from fellow keto dudes what they think may be happening. Im a little concerned. I am not yet fat adapted after 6 weeks. Has anyone else experienced these symptoms ? I thought maybe dehydration, but that does not jive with the high blood pressure. I welcome any thoughts and discussions . I want to ride this out and not revert, but the pounding chest is getting unnerving. Thank you.
High HR and high blood pressure
Keto is diuretic so it is usually electrolyte difficiency. Not enough sodium and/or magnesium and/or potassium.
Research the many threads here using “heart racing” or “high heart rate” as search terms to see what others have said on this topic, especially if you are already supplementing electrolytes and need to look for another source.
Lots of advice to be found.
Thanks, Bob. Im also concerned about the high blood pressure. Is this attributable to electrolyte deficiency , also?
It most certainly could be. When you’re eating high fat, you need extra sodium, magnesium, & potassium to process that fat, and dehydration can make an imbalance that much worse. I was having rapid heart rate (although I have borderline low BP), and when I increased my salt intake it improved. Most people need to supplement magnesium, which is said to lower BP. Potassium is well-regulated if you’re getting enough salt. How much? Do a few searches in the forum. There’s a ton of info in here.
Hi Kim, I’m 6 weeks in too & almost a carbon copy of your symptoms except I was a controlled hypertensive prior to Keto. I’m not fat adapted despite actively being in ketosis for 5 weeks. I limit carbs to 25g/day, including all those hidden. My bp on Friday was 180/110! Heart rate is also higher than normal for me, although I usually run mid 90’s as I’m a smoker. Doc appt tomorrow. But just wanted to say I understand your concerns. On top of all that, i haven’t lost 1 pound since the first week. I’ve only got 17 lbs total to lose but I’m frustrated for sure.