Dorothy FarrarCardiac arrhythmia after eating
Cardiac arrhythmias after eating are not uncommon. The heart beats evenly in the same rhythm for a lifetime, at least in theory. However, cardiac arrhythmias are anything but rare.
What are cardiac arrhythmias after eating?
Cardiac arrhythmias describe a pathological change in the heartbeat that does not suit the situation, such as a leisurely lunch. The most common syndrome is atrial fibrillation, which occurs in the atria of the heart. In some cases, those affected feel a strong heart palpitations , but often they only notice a drop in performance and tiredness . Other cardiac arrhythmias cause a feeling of “stumbling” in the heart , and the heartbeat can also stop for fractions of a second.
In other cases, heart palpitations or a racing heart are reported. These are assigned to the fast cardiac arrhythmias, which are usually noticed immediately, while the slow ones are noticeable more subtly through frequent dizziness . Cardiac arrhythmias, which affect the main chambers of the heart and, in the worst case, can lead to sudden cardiac death, are considered dangerous. Shortness of breath is a possible symptom of chronic heart failure. Not all cardiac arrhythmias are life-threatening, some of them can also occur temporarily in healthy people.
The WHO estimates that atrial fibrillation affects more than 33 million people worldwide, which is just one of several possible cardiac arrhythmias. In healthy people, the heartbeat adapts to emotions and external influences so that the human body is optimally supplied with blood in every situation. This is necessary to ensure a good supply of nutrients and oxygen. Therefore, the heart rate increases during strenuous activities such as sports, while it is significantly slower when relaxed. However, some people complain of cardiac arrhythmia, which occurs especially after eating. There are many possible causes for this, ranging from poor nutrition to pre-existing diseases.
causes
Studies have shown that heart arrhythmias after eating are common in people suffering from heart disease or circulatory problems. This is often because after eating a (large) meal, a large amount of blood has to be pumped into the gastrointestinal tract to enable the process of digestion and absorption of the food . As a result, blood becomes less available in other parts of the body, resulting in a drop in blood pressure, which is counteracted by the narrowing of the peripheral arteries.In older people and those suffering from atherosclerosis, this mechanism does not work properly, forcing the heart to pump blood faster and with more pressure. In contrast, people who treat their high blood pressure with beta-blockers may experience a decrease in their heart rate after eating. The drugs block the calcium channels, thereby preventing a faster heart rate. Other factors that can cause cardiac arrhythmias after eating are increased body temperature, exertion, for example with particularly large meals, or anxiety .
As a result of gastric surgery, so-called dumping syndrome can occur, which is noticeable through heart palpitations. Various clinical pictures in which an excessive amount of insulin is released can also trigger heart palpitations after eating. These include, for example, type 2 diabetes in the early phase, an enlargement of the pancreatic islet cells and insulin-producing tumors. Other possible triggers are an overactive thyroid, food containing caffeine or Roemheld syndrome. Gases accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract, which puts pressure on the diaphragm and heart. They can be brought on by certain foods or large amounts of food.
Diseases
diagnosis and course
The first step in diagnosing heart arrhythmias after eating is taking a medical history , in which the patient is asked about symptoms, previous illnesses, possible surgeries, medications, and other factors. This serves to identify or rule out possible causes such as type 2 diabetes in the early stages or the consequences of a surgical procedure. An ECG recording is also useful , in which heart diseases can be detected. An additional blood test is used to record thyroid levels, blood sugar, and heart enzymes, which can help with the diagnosis.
For cardiac arrhythmias that occur after eating, the prognosis is good in most cases and can be treated with a change in diet . Sometimes it even recovers on its own. If left untreated, cardiac arrhythmias can have serious consequences. In the long run, they can weaken the heart muscle , lead to circulatory failure and, in extreme cases, to sudden cardiac death. Even if the course of the disease is only so drastic in a few cases, a doctor should always be consulted if heart problems occur.
treatment and therapy
If premature dumping is responsible for the heart problems, a change in eating habits is sufficient in most cases. Meals should be eaten in several small portions throughout the day, and they should also be low in sugar . A planned snack that should be rich in carbohydrates helps with late dumping . This intercepts the increased insulin release and reduces heart palpitations.
Drug treatment is recommended for pancreatic islet cell enlargement or a tumor that produces insulin. The same is also necessary in the case of an overactive thyroid gland. In the case of intolerance or flatulence , a change in diet that avoids high-risk foods helps. Further treatment measures are intestinal cleansing, clarification of histamine intolerance , deacidification and the consumption of alkaline foods.
prevention
The prevention of cardiac arrhythmias after eating is mostly dependent on the cause. In general, however, it is recommended to avoid large and heavy meals in favor of smaller portions distributed throughout the day. This reduces the need for blood in the gastrointestinal tract. An overall low-fat, low-carbohydrate diet relies on foods that are easier to digest and therefore do not place undue stress on the circulatory system.Another sensible measure is an increased intake of water and a reduced consumption of caffeine and alcohol . Like smoking, these substances can lead to dehydration , which forces the heart to work harder. Good fitness is also the way to go for long-term prevention. Anyone who does sports regularly and moves in the fresh air strengthens their entire cardiovascular system.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.