Generally, palpitations after eating are normal occurrences since the process of digestion naturally heightens how the heart works.
Increased heart rate is also normal for patients who have consumed sugary foods like chocolates. Other foods that are rich in carbohydrates and fats can also cause the heart to beat rapidly.
The more sugar intake the higher the chances are of getting palpitations.
Patients that have palpitations after eating sugar often experience adrenaline rush.
There are times when the palpitations go from bad to worse and cause sleepless nights.
Palpitations after eating sugar may be accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath, indigestion, and bloating.
The palpitations will usually start half an hour after eating. At some point, it can reach up to more than 120 beats per minute and can last for more than 6 hours.
The saturated fat in sugar will cause the blood to thicken which will let the heart do extra work in pumping which will lead to palpitations.
Palpitations after Eating Causes
Severe hunger and low levels of sugar can cause palpitations especially when patients that experience these after suddenly eating. Doing so will increase the blood sugar level rapidly which would result to excessive secretions of insulin. The secretions on the other hand will lead to cardiac arrhythmia, then to adrenaline secretion, and eventually palpitations.
Hormonal Imbalance. Patients with hypothyroidism have a high risk of having episodes of palpitations after eating.
Hiatal Hernia. This is a condition wherein some portions of the stomach stick out towards the diaphragm. When this condition is partnered with GERD or gastroesophagael reflex disease can cause chest pains and palpitations.
Severe Anemia.
Anxiety and Stress. Patients who are always anxious and stressed have high risks in having palpitations after eating and developing other ailments. Commonly, the palpitations here are accompanied by chest and abdominal pains, and a feeling of tiredness.
Obesity.
Treatment for Palpitations after Eating
Eating small amounts of food is recommended. It is also good to eat in regular intervals and not skip meals.
For female patients, a visit to the doctor is recommended to check hormonal and iron level changes. When there is a rapid change, palpitations usually occur. Doctors will usually prescribe pills which help align hormonal levels and iron supplements.
Minimal intake of sugary foods.
Patients should try to live life without any stress.
Eating healthy, drinking lots of water, regular exercise and enough sleep can help stop palpitations after eating.
When palpitations persist for a long time, it is best to consult a doctor which would recommend some tests like a cardiac scan. This will determine if there are serious problems that are causing the palpitations.
