When the level of certain electrolytes in the blood gets low, this can cause extra heartbeats (premature atrial complexes or premature ventricular complexes) and can also create an 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 annoying, but it isn’t necessarily dangerous. Usually, if you have no prior history of heart problems, palpitations are more of an annoyance.

If the palpitations bother you enough, then a doctor can order a heart rhythm monitor for you to 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.