Palpitations

[Beatle45]

Could anybody tell me why I often get ectopics/palpitations/uneven heartbeat after I’ve eaten? Sometimes it lasts for ages. Any comments appreciated.

[22alfie]

are you a fast eater ? If so maybe you should slow it down while eating. Other than that not sure . Check with doctor

[Beatle45 in reply to 22alfie]

No I’m not a fast eater,just the opposite in fact.Thanks for your reply though.

[Captain_Birdseye]

Don't suppose you have developed an intolerance to something maybe?

I've heard (not experienced) that oesophagial spasms can sometimes feel like cardiac symptoms... is that worth investigating?

I'm just taking a stab in the dark, I'd probably run this past the doctor, especially if its causing concern.

[Jacey15]

I have this and in me it's related to postural tachycardia syndrome. I was tested for it at the autonomic unit at the national hospital for neurology and neurosurgery in London. The advice I was given for it was to have several small meals per day.

[Lizty]

Yes. I got that a lot prior to being diagnosed with A Fib. Reduced size of meals and made myself relax before and after eating. Still get it if I eat my meal or drink something too quickly! Think it has something to do with the irritation of the vagus nerve... or tightness in the oesophagus. Just an opinion. Don't think it is anything to worry about.

[Letsallhope1]

I get them too particularly after a big meal or particularly rich one.

[Hidden]

With the caveat that I’m not medically qualified. Premature contractions (ectopics) can be triggered by irritation of the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve runs between the brain and the stomach in close proximity to the heart, so is often the culprit in those that experience ectopics in relation to eating and drinking. Pressure on the nerve from large meals, bloating, excess gas, rich or spicy meals, carb and sugar heavy foods, and excess salt, are some of the things known to be able to trigger ectopics via this path. If you happen to also be sensitive to food stuffs medically known to increase ectopics - caffeine, chocolate, tyramine heavy foods, or highly spiced - then that could potentially also be playing a part in the length of episodes.

[Qualipop in reply to Hidden]

When I get ectopics I ask my husband to rub or press hard on my back, just inside of my left shoulder blade and it stops them. I had always thought that there was a muscle trigger point there but thinking now that it could roughly be the position of the vegas nerve. It's one of those spots where you know immediately if they've got the right place as it sort of hurts but doesn't if you know what I mean. I believe i's called the sweet spot.

[Saladay]

caffeine can be a factor. If you drink strong coffee. You could try cutting that out.

[Beatle45]

Thank you all for your replies , I think it’s time to check it out with the doctor.

[Hidden]

have SVT,if I eat too much my heart tumbles around for ages after,it’s very uncomfortable so I eat small amounts more often. Also I feel my heart beating out of my chest. I,m 75.

[WillStuartJones]

A hiatus hernia may also be in play which I believe can also irritate the vagus nerve.