Tachycardia after Eating

Heart rate higher than 100 heartbeats per minute (BPM) is called tachycardia. The normal heart rate for adults is about 60 to 100 BPM and about 110 BPM for an infant while resting. Tachycardia after eating is an uncommon disorder and for the people who experience it, it can create anxiety and stress. Experiencing slightly higher heart rate after eating is quite normal, because increased flow of blood is required to digest the ingested food. But if your heart starts beating rigorously after eating, then it is a symptom of tachycardia. Tachycardia is not fatal and people who experience it, can lead a normal life.

Tachycardia Types

Tachycardia can be either sinus (originating from the sinus node or heart's natural pacemaker) tachycardia or non-sinus tachycardia. Sinus tachycardia is of two types, appropriate and inappropriate.

Non-sinus tachycardias are further divided into supraventricular (coming from the upper chambers of the heart) and ventricular (coming from the lower chambers of the heart). Ventricular tachycardia occurs due to a rapid depolarization of the ventricles and are more serious in nature.

Causes of appropriate sinus tachycardia are intensive exercise, anxiety, stress, panic attacks, dehydration, no conditioning of muscles, blood loss or loss of body fluids, hyperthyroidism, electrolyte abnormalities and many other conditions.

Tachycardia after Consumption of Food: Causes

The causes and symptoms of tachycardia after consumption of food may vary from person to person. Some people get awakened at night due to rapid heartbeat. Some people experience increased heart rate only after eating sugar, some experience it after eating processed food. Sudden rise and fall in blood sugar levels after meals can cause tachycardia.

Heavy meals such as pizza and lasagna are high in sodium and saturated fat. If you do not drink enough water, your blood becomes thicker compelling your heart to work harder. Similarly, cholesterol levels can shoot up, right after a high saturated fat meal, leading to overworking of heart during the process of digestion. Tachycardia can occur due to an existing heart disease or a lung disease or problem in circulation.

It has been observed that people with poor digestion, usually experience increased heart rate after eating, especially if the meal is heavy, rich in carbohydrate, sugar or fat such as chocolate. Processed food or food high in oil or food rich in MSG, nitrates and sodium can raise your heart rate after eating. Some people experience tachycardia after consumption of food or drink that contains caffeine or other stimulants. According to some, high heart rate after eating is related to the problem with the vagus nerve which is shared by both, the heart and the stomach. If heartburn of acid reflux is causing high heart rate and chest tightness after eating, taking an antacid would help relieve the symptoms.

Other tachycardia causes include endocrine or digestive system problems or a side effect from an antibiotic or other medications. Obesity may worsen the symptoms of food induced tachycardia. High heart rate may be a sign of 'food sensitivity' with respect to certain foods. Many people experience rapid heart rate after eating sugar. The amount of sugar consumed may influence the intensity and duration of pounding you get.

The episodes of rapid heartbeat usually begin within 30 to 60 minutes after eating a meal. The heart rate may go up to 120 beats per minute or even more. Sometimes, it lasts up to 6 hours. An adrenaline rush may be experienced by the person. There can be difficulty in resting, sleeping, or breathing. The person may suffer from bloating and indigestion. If the heart rate after eating is irregular or very rapid, you could have cardiac arrhythmia.

Some causes of tachycardia after eating are not related to heart problem at all. Severe acid reflux disease (GERD), night sweats, anxiety attacks at night can also cause tachycardia. Hiatus hernia may also cause tachycardia after consumption of food. Heavy meals increase the pressure in the stomach and the pressure on the vagus nerve, the nerve that controls the heart rate. The patient may experience breathing difficulty. In very rare cases, food induced tachycardia can be a symptom of liver or kidney damage.

Tachycardia after Consumption of Food: Remedies

To prevent food induced tachycardia, you should eat several small meals and avoid large meals in one sitting. In this way, you can avoid pressure on the vagus nerve and severe fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

You should sleep, eat and exercise at the same fixed time, every day. Avoid drugs, tobacco and alcohol. While eating, don't drink beverages like tea, coffee or soda. Avoid smoking, caffeine, aspirin, phenacetin and amphetamines. Keep a record of the food consumed and find out which type of food raises your heart rate and how long does tachycardia last after eating that food. Keep a record of the amount eaten too. Reduce the amount or avoid such type of food in the diet. To have stable blood sugar levels, you should avoid simple carbs and should incorporate more complex carbs in your diet.

Wear clothes that are loose at the chest and the waist. Do not increase the pressure on your abdomen and diaphragm. Loosen the belt if any. At least for one hour after eating, you should not lie down in bed. Sit in a comfortable position. If the pain worsens or starts suddenly, don't take any new or over the counter medicine, just go to a doctor or the emergency room, as soon as possible.

It has been noticed that Pantoprazole (Protonix), a medicine for indigestion, helps alleviate heart palpitations symptoms to some extent. Green tea works great for tachycardia after eating, while for some, drinking lots of water can help too. Prompt diagnosis, detection of the underlying cause of rapid heart rate after eating helps design the treatment.