Irregular heartbeat following a meal is common in people who are overweight and those who have anorexia.
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If a patient experiences the symptom for the first time, it is a good idea to go to the doctor for a check up
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Irregular heart beats are known as arrhythmias. They are also called palpitations and some refer to them as skipped beating.
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When experienced, the symptom can be very worrying as it can be mistaken for a heart attack
Reason for Irregular Heartbeat after Eating
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When a person eats, especially large meals, blood flow gets directed into the stomach
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This causes that drowsy feeling some get after eating
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In some cases, the irregular heart beats can start during a meal
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It can also lead to an irregular heartbeat as the heart works to compensate for the sudden volume shift
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The irregular beating may also be accompanied by a decrease or an increase in the patient’s blood pressure. Other symptoms include:
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Fatigue
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Feeling cold or flushed
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Dizziness
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Another reason for irregular beats following a meal is eating too fast or too much after a fast
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Some patients may also observe that there are certain trigger foods that makes the symptom flare up.
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Patients who have conductive arrhythmias may also experience a worsening of their condition following a meal.
In some cases, patients who have GERD or Acid Reflux Disease may also experience irregular heartbeats after eating.
When to See a Doctor
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Patients who observe this symptom for the first time should seek medical attention, if only to rule out serious heart problems
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When the irregular beats are accompanied by signs of a heart attack, they include:
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Chest pains – the pain does not go away with rest
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Chest pain that radiates to the back and down the left arm
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Upset stomach – some heart attacks, especially in women manifest in gastric distress
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Weakness
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Fainting
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Difficulty breathing
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When the symptom becomes profound enough to disrupt proper functioning
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When it continues for hours following a meal
Treatment for Irregular Heart Beats
There is no specific treatment for irregular heart beats after a meal. However, there are preventive methods and lifestyle changes that patients can apply to keep in form happening, they include:
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Eating smaller meals more frequently
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Eating at regular intervals
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Eat slowly, avoid eating too fast
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Weight loss – this can help to reduce the workload of the heart and address the issue
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Avoid trigger food
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Exercise regularly
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Medication may also be used for patients whose irregular heart beats are caused by problems with the heart’s electrical conduction.