Foods to Avoid if You Have Heart Palpitations
By Dr. Malavika Athavale +2 more
Get,
to manage your symptom
Get your,
4 Cr+ families
benefitted
OTP sent to 9988776655
You’ve successfully subscribed to receive
doctor-approved tips on
Whatsapp
Get ready to feel your best.
Register to Avail the Offer
Send OTPBy continuing, you agree with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions
Hi There,
Sign up on PharmEasy now!!
Trusted by 4 crore+ families
OTP sent to 9988776655
You have unlocked 25% off on medicines
Code: NU25
Comments
Leave your comment here
By Dr. Malavika Athavale +2 more
Table of Contents
Most of the time, we don’t feel our heartbeat. And this is because, when our heart’s rhythm is normal, we usually don’t notice it. But, when it changes, we start to feel it. This is known as heart palpitation. It could be your heart beating too slow or too fast or even feeling like it stopped. Heart palpitations often feel like a fluttering, rapid, or irregular heartbeat. Individuals may feel that their heart is pounding, racing, or experiencing a skipped beat. Palpitations usually aren’t harmful, but they can be uncomfortable causing worry. Sometimes, they may be associated with underlying medical conditions.
Palpitations can arise for many reasons. These might be stress, heavy doses of caffeine or nicotine, excessive alcohol, hormones changing in women, certain medications or anaemia. Other heart palpitations reasons can be hyperactive thyroid, low potassium, or hypoglycaemia, irregular heartbeat or serious heart disease. In rare cases, a heart attack might also cause them1.
Did you know?
To effectively manage heart palpitations, you first need to diagnose the underlying cause. You must know when to get help and understand what your doctor may suggest.
If heart palpitations come with chest pain, shortness of breath, intense dizziness or a feeling of doom, it needs immediate medical attention. These heart palpitations symptoms could mean severe issues like arrhythmias or heart disease1.
Your healthcare provider will give you a physical check-up, listen to your heartbeats and look at your medical history. They may suggest some additional tests1.
The following cardiovascular assessments may be advised:
Dealing with heart palpitations requires multiple simultaneous approaches. Medical procedures, home remedies, and changes in diet can all come into play.
If heart palpitations are arising due a heart condition, medical procedure or medicine use may not be needed. In case of other underlying causes too such as hormonal issues or anaemia, medical management may be necessary. Your doctor can advise you best based on your condition1.
At home, you can also take some steps for managing heart palpitations. Avoiding things that spike palpitations can help. Controlling stress is also important. Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can assist in this. Be sure not to use drugs like cocaine as they can cause palpitations too1.
Vagal maneuvers can slow your heart rate by stimulating the vagus nerve. This can involve putting cold water on your face, trying to gag, or dunking your face in cold water. But before trying these steps, consult your healthcare provider5.
Changing your diet can help avoid foods causing palpitations and increase those calming them.
Caffeine might potentially exacerbate heart palpitations in susceptible individuals. Therefore, if you experience heart palpitations, I strongly advise avoiding drinks or foods that contain caffeine, such as cola12.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Did you ever think about how much our diet influences heart palpitations? Some foods can lead to palpitations, while others can lessen them.
If you’re wondering what foods to avoid if you have heart palpitations, these are some of the foods that can actually set off or intensify palpitations in people prone to them.
Caffeine and energy drinks can stimulate the nervous system causing heart palpitations. Even though occasional use is safe, too much caffeine can cause palpitations6,7.
Excessive alcohol use can also cause heart palpitations. Cutting down or avoiding alcohol can help manage them1,6.
Red meat, high in saturated fats, can raise cholesterol and trigger palpitations. Swapping red meat for plant-based protein can aid in reducing this risk8.
Highly processed foods such as canned soups or packaged meals often contain too much salt and preservatives. These could disturb the heart rhythm causing palpitations. Opting for fresh foods instead of processed ones is a more heart-healthy option6.
Excessive sugar intake can contribute to heart palpitations, as it may lead to sudden spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels. Limiting high-sugar foods can help manage blood sugar and lowers risk of heart diseases, thereby reduce the likelihood of associated palpitations6.
More salt means increased risk of high blood pressure thus more chance of palpitations. So, cut down on salt and keep palpitations in check6.
It’s ideal to avoid or consume the above-mentioned food items in limited quantity if you suffer from palpitations. However, for a more personalized plan, it’s best to discuss with a certified nutritionist.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Some foods could help reduce frequent heart palpitations and support overall heart health.
Fresh fruits are heart-healthy. They contain essential vitamins and potent antioxidants. Their soluble fibre can also lower bad cholesterol levels decreasing palpitations9.
Whole grains support heart health through ample fibre content. This removes harmful cholesterol types, thus reducing the chance of heart disease and palpitations9.
Soy foods are rich plant-based proteins. They offer various heart benefits like reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, helping in reducing palpitations10.
Magnesium is a mineral that helps proper functioning of heart. Magnesium administration has been shown to be beneficial in certain heart rhythm disoorders7. Thus, consuming foods rich in magnesium such as dark chocolate, avocado and nuts can help lower palpitations6.
Although further research is needed, some studies have found the benefits of a plant-based diet to help support normal heart rhythm7. It’s a good idea to follow a balanced diet and include the above-mentioned foods in your diet if you suffer from palpitations. But discuss with your doctor before including anything new in your routine diet if you suffer from underlying medical conditions.
Based on my understanding gained over the years, it is worth noting that certain foods, such as salami, and aged cheeses might potentially contribute to heart palpitations. These foods may contain a compound called tyramine, which has been associated with increased blood pressure13.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Lifestyle changes can have a big role in managing heart palpitations and keeping your heart healthy. Let’s see on how to do that.
I may suggest to stay away from consuming spicy foods, particularly when it comes to conditions such as heart palpitations. In my experience, I have observed that spicy foods might potentially trigger heart palpitations in certain individuals14.
Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
Knowing more about heart palpitations, triggers, and effective management helps you lead a healthier life. Keeping active, having a balanced diet, getting enough rest and reducing stress can manage palpitations. Avoid food items like caffeinated drinks, excessive alcohol, red meat, processed or sugary foods and too much salt. But don’t forget that medical issues can also cause palpitations. So, always stay alert and seek medical help when needed.
A diet containing less known cardiac irritants and good amount of exercise, sleep and stress management can care for your heart.
If changing diet doesn’t ease heart palpitations, reach out to your healthcare provider. The palpitations might point to a hidden health issue needing medical attention.
While most palpitations are harmless, they can be discomforting. If they come with chest pain, loss of consciousness, uncommon sweating, dizziness or light-headedness, it’s serious. Seek medical help right away in such cases.
While occasional heart palpitations while sleeping can be normal, persistent or disruptive cases may indicate an underlying issue and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional for a comprehensive assessment.
In some cases, excessive gas and bloating may lead to increased pressure on the heart, causing palpitations. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.
To alleviate heart palpitations, try practicing deep breathing exercises, staying hydrated, and avoiding stimulants like caffeine. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical advice for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
Yes, dehydration can contribute to heart palpitations by reducing blood volume and affecting electrolyte balance. Maintaining adequate hydration is important for cardiovascular health and may help prevent palpitations.
Vaping may contribute to heart palpitations, as certain substances in e-cigarettes can impact cardiovascular function. The long-term health effects of vaping, including its impact on heart health, are still being studied. Consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended for individuals experiencing palpitations related to vaping.
Yes, hormonal changes during menopause, particularly the decrease in oestrogen levels, can lead to heart palpitations in some women. While usually temporary, persistent or severe symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Yes, gastro oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) can be associated with heart palpitations. The irritation of the oesophagus due to reflux may stimulate the vagus nerve, impacting heart rhythm. Consultation with a healthcare professional is advised for a proper evaluation.
The duration of heart palpitations varies, and they may last for a few seconds to several minutes. If palpitations persist or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.
Heart palpitations after eating can be triggered by various factors, such as the release of digestive hormones, increased blood flow to the digestive system, and consumption of stimulants like caffeine or high-sugar foods. Additionally, overeating or underlying medical conditions may contribute to this phenomenon.
Certain vitamins like magnesium and potassium play a role in maintaining heart rhythm, and deficiencies may contribute to palpitations. Ensuring a balanced diet with adequate levels of these vitamins can help support heart health and reduce the occurrence of palpitations.
For minimizing heart palpitations during sleep, lying on your left side is often recommended. This position can help reduce pressure on the heart and promote better blood flow, potentially decreasing the likelihood of palpitations.
Factors like anxiety, hormonal fluctuations, or sleep apnoea can contribute to heart palpitations at night; managing stress, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and addressing underlying health issues may help alleviate nighttime palpitations.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
3
Comments
Leave your comment...
View all comments(1)
You may also like
My problem when I want to present speaking to congregation my heart iz beating so fast even I can’t control my self how to taik and it stopped me from taking why what can I do although ihve been drinking a lot of coffee so can it damage mostly nesscafe and milk one for many years