Irregular Heartbeat after Eating

Having normal heart rate indicates that you have a healthy heart. The number of times your heartbeats in a minute when you are at rest is your normal or resting heart rate. It is expressed in Beats Per Minute (bpm). While exercising with high intensity, you must have noticed that your heart starts pounding as the demand for blood and oxygen from the body increases significantly. Abnormally low and high heart rate indicate a problem in blood circulation or reduced function of the heart. Irregular heartbeat is described as 'arrhythmia'. Here follows important information regarding palpitation or arrhythmia after eating.

Arrhythmia after Meals

Causes
The normal heart rate for children above 10 and adults is 60-100 bpm. Irregular heartbeat causes include exercise, high body temperature, anxiety, diseases, diet pills, use of certain medications, caffeine, cocaine, nicotine, a heavy meal, etc. High heart rate is referred to as tachycardia and abnormally slow heart rate is referred to as bradycardia. Generally, people with circulatory or heart problem experience a rapid heartbeat after eating. As you eat, a large amount of blood flows to your digestive tract. Your body immediately reacts to this situation and tries to maintain the normal blood pressure by increasing your heart rate and constricting certain blood vessels. But failure of this mechanism may lead to postprandial hypo-tension (low blood pressure after eating). Older adults generally experience irregular heartbeat after eating. People with high blood pressure or autonomic nervous system disorders like Parkinson's disease, may experience arrhythmia after eating. The causes and symptoms may vary from person to person.

Some people suffer from rapid heartbeat only at night; while some notice an irregular heartbeat only after eating sugar. Some develop tachycardia after eating processed food; while some experience heart palpitations after eating food high in sodium or saturated fat. Insufficient intake of water makes your blood thick and the heart has to work harder to pump the blood. Dysfunction of any endocrine gland, digestive system problems, excessive intake of caffeine or other stimulants, problem with the vagus nerve which is shared by both, the heart and the stomach can result in an irregular heartbeat after eating. Not only heart diseases and lung diseases but hiatus hernia, acid reflux disease can also cause arrhythmia after eating. In some rare case, liver or kidney damage has been found to be responsible for irregular heart rate after eating. People with high pulse rate at rest may experience irregular heartbeats after eating.

Symptoms

• Difficulty sleeping
• Difficulty breathing
• Tightness in the chest
• Chest pain
• General discomfort
• Dizziness or fainting
• Bloating, indigestion
• Profound sweating
• Excessive fatigue
• Confusion, loss of concentration
• Low blood pressure, lightheadedness

Treatment
Treatment for irregular heart rate after eating depends upon the cause. Correct diagnosis helps plan the correct treatment. Those who experience irregular heartbeat or palpitations after eating, should watch what triggers palpitations. You should consult with your doctor immediately and inform the doctor about your eating habits, diseases and disorders you have been diagnosed with and routine medications. In elderly patients, doctor may lower the dose of blood pressure drugs or diuretics. Eating small, low-carbohydrate meals generally helps reduce the symptoms. Low fat and low sugar meals are good for all. You should include 'good fats' in your meals. You should have your dinner at least 3 hours before going to sleep. Avoiding late night dinners, heavy dinners can help lower the symptoms. Avoiding smoking, alcohol abuse, use of drugs, excessive consumption of antidepressants, drinking plenty of plain water instead of tea, coffee or soda can help reduce the symptoms. Green tea, works great for irregular heartbeat after eating.

If you notice any of the above symptoms, you should consult your doctor for correct and prompt treatment. Never take over-the-counter medicine for heart problem. The doctor can help you lead a healthy life.