Heart palpitations feel like your heart flutters, pounds or skips a beat. Certain ingredients in food, such as sugar, carbs or salt, can cause them. Supplements, medications and other factors can also play a role. Heart palpitations after eating usually aren’t harmful. Show
OverviewWhat are heart palpitations after eating?Heart palpitations feel like your heart races, pounds, flutters or skips a beat. You may notice your heart rate when you have a palpitation. Or you may feel your heart beating in your throat, neck or chest. Heart palpitations can happen anytime, including after or while eating. Though palpitations can seem scary, they usually aren’t dangerous. How common are heart palpitations after eating?Heart palpitations after eating are very common. They may occur if you have food allergies or sensitivities. An increased heart rate happens to many people throughout the day. But you’re more likely to notice heart palpitations when you aren’t distracted. You might sense them when you’re sitting still, resting or lying down. Symptoms and CausesWhat are the symptoms of heart palpitations after eating?Symptoms of heart palpitations include:
What causes heart palpitations after eating?Usually, heart palpitations are harmless. They can occur due to the chewing, swallowing and digestive process or because of ingredients you eat. Most palpitations don’t mean you have an underlying health problem. What foods can cause heart palpitations after eating?Foods that may cause heart palpitations include:
Certain ingredients in food may also trigger heart palpitations:
What supplements can cause heart palpitations after eating?Taking dietary supplements with meals can sometimes lead to heart palpitations. These supplements include:
What medications can cause heart palpitations after eating?Certain medications, which you might take with food, can also lead to heart palpitations. These medications include:
Are there other causes of heart palpitations after eating?Other causes of heart palpitations related to eating and drinking may include:
Less commonly, heart palpitations after eating can be signs of a heart condition. If your heart often races after eating, see your healthcare provider for an exam. Seek help immediately if you have palpitations and chest pain or trouble breathing. Does caffeine cause heart palpitations?Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, tea and soda. Providers used to think that caffeine led to heart palpitations. But recent research suggests that, in moderation (up to three cups a day), caffeine may actually have heart benefits. If you drink more than three cups per day, you may notice palpitations. That said, some people may be particularly sensitive to caffeine, even at low levels. Also, in rare cases, drinking large amounts of energy drinks high in caffeine may cause arrhythmias. Diagnosis and TestsHow do healthcare providers diagnose heart palpitations after eating?Your provider will listen to your heart to check for murmurs or other sounds. They will review your:
Your provider may recommend a blood test (complete blood count or CBC) to look for anemia or low potassium. They’ll also check for a thyroid problem or other health issues that could lead to heart palpitations. Can my provider rule out a heart problem as the cause of heart palpitations after eating?Your healthcare provider may suggest other tests to check your heart health. These tests include:
Management and TreatmentHow do providers treat heart palpitations after eating?Treatment for any kind of heart palpitations depends on the diagnosis. Many times, palpitations aren’t serious. They often go away on their own. Providers may recommend that you make lifestyle changes to control your symptoms. These changes may include:
How do I manage heart palpitations after eating?Keeping a journal of your symptoms after you eat will help you notice what might trigger your palpitations. Make sure to note:
PreventionHow can I reduce my risk of heart palpitations after eating?To lower your risk of heart palpitations:
Can I change my diet to avoid heart palpitations after eating?Depending on the trigger, you may be able to change your diet to avoid heart palpitations after eating. You can try:
Outlook / PrognosisWhat is the outlook for people with heart palpitations after eating?Most people with heart palpitations after eating don’t require treatment. If palpitations happen from time to time, they aren’t usually dangerous. Many people find relief from heart palpitations after eating when they make changes to their diet or lifestyle. If you have heart palpitations that result from a health condition, talk to your provider about a treatment plan. To relieve your symptoms, your provider will treat the condition that’s causing them. Living WithWhen should I see my healthcare provider about heart palpitations after eating?Most of the time, heart palpitations after eating aren’t harmful. But it’s important to see your provider to be sure they aren’t signs of a serious health problem. Get help right away if you have heart palpitations along with:
A note from Cleveland Clinic Heart palpitations after eating are usually harmless. Your provider will make sure the palpitations aren’t a symptom of a more serious condition. You may be able to avoid heart palpitations after eating by monitoring the foods that cause symptoms and changing your diet. You can also lower your risk by maintaining a healthy weight and reducing stress. Pay attention to what you’ve had to eat or drink when you notice heart palpitations, and share this information with your healthcare provider. Seek help immediately if heart palpitations occur along with chest pain, confusion or difficulty breathing. Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 02/13/2022. References
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Why is my heartbeat so fast after drinking coffee?Caffeine affects the heart in multiple ways. Firstly, it promotes the release of noradrenaline and norepinephrine. Among other things, these hormones increase heart rate and blood pressure. Additionally, caffeine can act on enzymes that stimulate heart contractions, causing the heart to contract with more force.
How long does your heart race after coffee?As your heart beats faster — accelerating by about three beats per minute — your blood flow speeds up, too. The increase in your heart rate from caffeine can take effect in as soon as 15 minutes and take approximately six hours to wear off.
How do you calm a racing heart?How can I manage heart palpitations and anxiety?. Coping with stress.. Diaphragmatic breathing.. Exercising regularly.. Getting enough sleep.. Meditation.. Pursed-lip breathing.. Tai chi, yoga or other mindful movement.. |