Palpitations brought on by eating

[runner321]

I am very frustrated with palpitations brought on by eating.. sometimes during lunch and often during dinner. Not long after finishing a meal they quit. Other days this doesn’t happen. I’ve been told by my cardiologist that they are benign and not to worry but I’m tired of this. I don’t rush through my meals. Any experience like this and advice? Thanks in advance

[deniseinmilden]

Yes, I know exactly what you mean - I used to get it all the time, especially bigger or hot meals.

I guess it happened so often I got used to it and then it became normal for me so I just didn't really notice any more. I don't think it happens as much any more - 20+ years on.

[meadfoot]

I have the same when eating. It starts with ectopic beats and then palpitations that throw me into afib. The afib then goes crazy for an hour or so thereafter before settling down again. It is the mechanics of eating not the food itself or heat of the food and is clearly part of a cardio gastric interaction in my case. Mine start within swallowing three mouth full and although I try to push through with my meal it becomes impossible to continue. This goes on daily for several weeks, never breakfast, before it magically ceases for a month or so. It causes me to loose weight through not eating fully then I put it back on when it stops and on and on it goes randomly.

I eat bland food at a sensible temperature, sit up straight to eat etc etc but to no avail, it is totally random. I dread it. I have slow gut motility so assume that is the connection with my heart and of course the vagaries of the workings of the vagal nerve in these matters. Sorry I dont have a solution, my medics seem to think it is benign but then they arent the ones coping with it ongoing.

[Vsbb in reply to meadfoot]

Hi there, have you had any hormonal tests and thyroid tests?

[meadfoot in reply to Vsbb]

No in depth hormone tests only very basic thyroid blood test as part of annual monitoring. Do you think hormones could possibly be a cause.

[Ginkgotree]

Yes, same for me except the palpitations don't start straight away after eating but usually within half an hour afterwards and for up to an hour long. It can be quite debilitating. I mentioned it to my cardiologist and he suggested a vagus nerve cause but not a solution. It is very unpleasant and makes me very tired after meals even though I try not to eat heavy food.I should be having a check up this month but am having to wait until July for even a telephone appointment, very frustrating.