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India Today reports that while bananas, potatoes, leafy greens, and coconut water are usually seen as healthy choices, experts are cautioning they may become risky for certain people. These foods are high in potassium, which is essential for heart rhythm control. But if potassium levels rise even a little above normal, it can disrupt the heart’s electrical system and lead to dangerous irregular heartbeats or sudden cardiac arrest.

Doctors explained that individuals with kidney problems or on medications like ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or diuretics may struggle to clear excess potassium from their bodies. In such cases, eating potassium‑rich foods like bananas and potatoes can quietly raise levels to a point where the heart’s rhythm is thrown off. Even a seemingly mild elevation in potassium—say from 5.1 to 5.5 mEq/L—can trigger severe events if not checked promptly.

Cardiology specialists advise anyone with kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or taking relevant medications to monitor potassium intake closely. They urge reporting even subtle symptoms like mild weakness, numbness, nausea, or palpitations to a doctor. For potassium levels above 6.0 mEq/L, immediate treatment—like intravenous calcium, insulin‑glucose, or dialysis—can be lifesaving.