Heart palpitations after eating: Causes, symptoms, and how to stop them

Have you ever wondered why your heart starts beating rapidly after a meal? The feeling of a racing heartbeat? Especially after eating that sweet or sugary food, or had your favorite soda or cup of coffee? This is called “heart palpitations after eating”. 

While your heart beating rapidly in certain situations is normal in situations like exercise, the same after eating is not. You'll find out in this article what heart palpitations after eating are all about and how to stop them.

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What Are Heart Palpitations After Eating?

Heart palpitations are simply a high number of heartbeats. It’s described as having a fluttering or racing heart, a pounding chest, or skipped heartbeat. You’ll usually feel it in your chest, neck, or throat. Tachycardia which is an increased heart rate can occur while you are eating or after eating.

So what happens when you get heart palpitations after eating?

Why Do Heart Palpitations Occur After Eating?

A fast heart rate after eating usually depends on the quantity of food, type and any underlying health conditions and medications. 

Overeating poses a serious threat to your heart rate. When you eat large meals, your heart works harder to pump blood to your stomach to digest the food. This increased blood flow demand can make the heart beat faster and irregularly.

Foods That Cause Heart Palpitations.

• Caffeine-containing foods, like your coffee, tea, chocolates, kola nuts, and some sodas, can cause heart palpitations when taken in excess. Research has been done on a couple of people, who take lots of caffeine, and it has been linked to them getting heart palpitations. It's important to take them in moderation, and if you happen to experience palpitations in taking little amounts, that could be a sign to avoid caffeine-containing foods.
• Sugar: Taking lots of sugar can cause heart palpitations, especially when you're hypoglycemic (  low blood sugar), and you suddenly have a high sugar spike. This happens because your body releases a hormone called adrenaline which increases your heart rate and causes those fluttering or pounding feelings you feel in your chest.
• Alcohol: ‎‎Alcohol can trigger heart palpitations by speeding up the heartbeat, disturbing the heart’s electrical signals, and causing dehydration or electrolyte imbalances. It also affects blood sugar, sleep, and stress levels, factors that make irregular heartbeats more likely. Heavy drinking may even lead to “Holiday Heart Syndrome,” where arrhythmias occur after binge drinking.
• Carbohydrate-rich foods: Sugary and refined carbs like white bread, pastries, and processed snacks can trigger heart palpitations by spiking and crashing blood sugar, which releases stress hormones like adrenaline. Other triggers include salty foods and monosodium glutamate.

Underlying  Conditions Causing Heart Palpitations After Eating.

• Hypoglycemia, having a low blood sugar level, can trigger palpitations.
• Acid reflux can irritate your esophagus, which can cause heart palpitations.
• Anxiety or stress can increase your heart rate. 
• Not taking enough water.
• Anemia ( having a low red blood cell count) can cause palpitations because of low amounts of iron.
• Pregnancy

Drugs Causing Heart Palpitations;

Some medications such as your;

•  Asthma drugs.
•  Antibiotics and antifungals.
• Antidepressants.
• Thyroid medications.
•  Some diet pills.
• Cough and cold medications
• High blood pressure medication.
• Cocaine and Amphetamines

Symptoms To Look Out For In Heart Palpitations.

There are certain symptoms to look out for if you’re having palpitations. When these symptoms occur, ensure to reach out to your healthcare provider. These include;

• Chest discomfort or pain
• Fainting
• Severe shortness of breath
• Severe dizziness

How To Stop Heart Palpitations After Eating. 

• Drink water to avoid dehydration which can trigger palpitations.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large heavy meals.
• Avoid foods and drinks known to trigger palpitations: caffeine, alcohol, sugary and processed foods, high sodium, and certain additives like Monosodium glutamate.
• Incorporate potassium-rich (bananas, spinach, avocados), magnesium-rich (almonds, dark chocolate), and omega-3-rich foods (fatty fish, chia seeds).
• Avoid lying down immediately after eating to reduce chest pressure.
• Practice slow, deep breathing or relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety contributing to palpitations.

Management and Treatment of Heart Palpitations.

To find the cause of palpitations, doctors usually start with a patient’s history, physical exam, basic lab tests, and an ECG. If needed, further tests like an echocardiogram, stress test, or heart monitoring may be done to check for heart disease or arrhythmias. 

The probable cause is the basis for managing palpitations.

Treatment depends on the cause but often includes medications to control heart rate, avoiding triggers, patient education, and reassurance.

When to Seek Medical Help.

Ensure you visit the hospital and see your doctor when you have heart palpitations; 

• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Confusion or dizziness.
• Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or other breathing problems.
• Excessive sweating (diaphoresis).
• Fainting (syncope).
• Unusual tightness in your arms, chest, jaw, neck, or upper back.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How to stop heart palpitations from sugar? 

To stop heart palpitations from eating sugar, cut back on sugary foods, choose a heart-healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains, and drink lots of water to stay hydrated.

2. Will heart palpitations go away?

Heart palpitations often go away on their own, especially when caused by temporary factors like stress, anxiety, caffeine, or alcohol. 

3. What can be mistaken for heart palpitations?

• Anxiety and Panic Attacks.
• Low Blood Pressure.
• Other Heart Arrhythmias.
• Coronary Artery Disease.
• Hyperthyroidism.
• Heart Valve Disorder

4. How do I manage heart palpitations after eating?

You can identify potential triggers for your palpitations by recording your symptoms in a notebook after eating.  Remember to take note of foods and beverages you take when experiencing heart palpitations.  What were you doing when the palpitations started?  What’s the duration of the palpitations?

How can I reduce my risk of heart palpitations after eating?

To reduce your risk of heart palpitation, consider the following

• Manage your anxiety or depression, talk to your doctor about therapy or medication, since stress and anxiety can trigger heart palpitations after eating.
• Maintain a healthy weight; as extra weight may increase your risk of palpitations after eating. Ask your provider for a safe plan
• Exercise regularly and stay active to support heart health and prevent fast heart rate after eating.
• Reduce stress, try deep breathing, meditation,  or relaxation to calm your body and reduce the chances of tachycardia after eating.

Conclusion

Although heart palpitations after eating can be alarming, they are typically just your body reacting to the meal, portion size, or specific elements like alcohol, sugar, or caffeine. 

The good news is that sporadic palpitations are mostly benign and frequently get better with easy lifestyle adjustments like eating smaller meals, drinking more water and choosing healthier foods.

However, it's crucial to see a doctor for a complete diagnosis if your palpitations are strong, frequent, or accompanied by symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest discomfort.  You can maintain the health of your heart and your peace of mind by combining timely medical advice with mindful eating practices.

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