What Can Cause Heart Palpitations After Eating?

Several things can cause one to experience heart palpitations after eating, so should you be alarmed about them? Here's all the info you need.

Did you know a lot of adults in the US have experienced sugar and heart palpitations? Have you had this experience many times but always attributed it to some other factor?

Perhaps it’s time to look more closely at why you might get heart palpitations after eating. Doing so can help you make adjustments to your diet so you can avoid panic attacks and supervise your heart health.

Read on for the top reasons why you’re having a fast heartbeat when you’ve been chowing down. Let’s get into it!

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Eating Too Much

If we eat large meals, our blood sugar level rises and our body releases insulin to bring it down. This can cause our heart rate to increase and we may feel a rapid heartbeat.

When this happens, the stomach and intestines can push on the heart and interfere with its normal rhythm.

Food Allergies

If the immune system reacts to a particular food, it can cause a fast heart rate and even arrhythmia. If you have a food allergy, your body is overreacting to a protein that it sees as dangerous. 

In some cases, the response may be severe enough to cause anaphylactic shock, which is a medical emergency.

Dyspepsia or an Upset Stomach

Heart palpitations after eating can be caused by dyspepsia or an upset stomach. Dyspepsia is a condition that causes pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen.

An upset stomach is a general term for discomfort or pain in the stomach. Both of these conditions can cause heart palpitations.

Eating Too Fast

When you eat too fast, your body doesn’t have time to register that you’re full. It can also stress your digestive system, leading to heartburn, indigestion, and other uncomfortable symptoms. 

It can also cause you to swallow air, which can lead to bloating, gas, and discomfort. If you experience these after eating, try to slow down and take smaller meals more often. 

Consuming Large Amounts of Caffeine or Alcohol

Both of these substances can act as stimulants to the heart, causing it to beat erratically. If you notice that your heart is palpitating after having a coffee or a drink, cut back on your intake. 

Do this to check if that makes a difference.

Smoking

One potential cause of heart pounding after eating is smoking. When we smoke, the nicotine in cigarettes causes our heart rate to increase. This can be especially true if we do it right after eating. 

Additionally, the chemicals in cigarettes can interfere with the normal functioning of our hearts. This can also lead to heart palpitations. 

Eating Fatty or Spicy Foods

These foods can trigger a release of adrenaline, which can cause the heart to race. In some people, this can lead to an irregular heartbeat and even dizziness or lightheadedness. 

Gastroesophageal Reflux

This is when stomach acid rises into the esophagus, and can sometimes cause a burning sensation in the chest or throat. This can cause the heart to feel like it is fluttering.

If you’re planning to visit your doctor, make sure to prepare questions to ask your cardiologist regarding your medical condition.

Top Causes of Heart Palpitations After Eating

If you’re experiencing heart palpitations after eating, it could be caused by many things, including stress, caffeine, dehydration, or a heavy meal. If you’re concerned about your condition, it’s always best to talk to your doctor.

They can help you figure out its root cause and offer treatment options. 

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