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What could cause palpitations after eating and anxiety disorder?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I experience heart palpitations following meals. What could potentially be causing this? I have undergone heart echocardiography and treadmill tests on multiple occasions, all of which returned normal results. Additionally, I have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Could you explain the reasons behind these symptoms? I have noticed that my heart rate tends to normalize after taking Alprazolam. Kindly help.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

In certain individuals, specific foods such as spices can trigger various types of tachycardia, including sinus tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Some individuals might also exhibit allergies to particular foods that can lead to sinus tachycardia. However, this is typically accompanied by symptoms like shortness of breath and wheezing. During episodes of rapid heartbeats, it is suggested to record the heart's rhythm using an electrocardiogram (ECG). I suggest obtaining an ECG while experiencing palpitations. Alternatively, I suggest you undergo Holter monitoring. If your condition involves sinus tachycardia triggered by certain foods, it could be helpful to maintain a food diary. Document what you eat and attempt to identify which specific food item might be causing these symptoms. Subsequently, I suggest you can avoid consuming that particular food.

I hope this has helped you.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I engage in approximately 45 minutes of walking each morning, followed by consuming water after 30 minutes. I have noticed that this issue only arises in the morning, specifically after consuming rice and curry. It does not occur during the rest of the day, including lunch and dinner. How concerning is this situation? I have previously undergone Holter monitoring on several occasions, yielding no significant findings. Do you recommend undergoing this monitoring once more? Kindly help.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

I would like to inform you that if you had the same symptoms and if a Holter was done during these symptoms and found normal, you again are having the same symptoms, and likely your Holter will be the same as the previous one. If Holter is normal during periods of palpitations, it seems your symptoms are only subjective feelings. Share your Holter report when you had symptoms.

I hope this has helped you.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Prior to taking any medication, my cholesterol levels were total cholesterol 160 mg/dL, LDL 89 mg/dL, HDL 40 mg/dL, and triglycerides 150 mg/dL. While in the emergency room, I was administered Atorvastatin 40 mg and Aspirin 300 mg during my admission. When I inquired whether I should continue taking these medications, the response I received was to consult a cardiologist. You previously advised me that I do not need to take Aspirin, but what about Atorvastatin? Is it necessary for me to continue taking it? I do not consume alcohol, smoke, or indulge in deep-fried foods, sugary drinks, or red meat.

I maintain a regular exercise routine. Recently, after eating, I experienced heart palpitations and numbness in my body and legs. I was concerned about these symptoms, so I contacted medical emergency services, and an ambulance arrived within two minutes. The paramedics conducted an ECG, which displayed normal results. They assured me that there was no immediate cause for concern, and I was subsequently transported to the hospital. At the hospital, an EKG was performed, but no abnormalities were detected. The medical professionals also reviewed my ECG report and conducted blood tests. Ultimately, they concluded that my symptoms were likely due to anxiety. I followed your guidance and had an ECG done during the palpitations, which turned out to be normal. Given this recent experience, kindly suggest the next steps to be taken.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

Based on the information you provided, your lipid profile displayed normal values prior to taking any medications. The initiation of Atorvastatin or other statins is typically determined by LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels. Given that your LDL levels are within the normal range, there is no requirement to continue taking Atorvastatin. Palpitations are subjective sensations and may not necessarily indicate an abnormal heart rhythm. Premature beats are frequent even in healthy individuals and often last for only a short duration, usually a few seconds to minutes. These beats might not be captured during an ECG. To detect such occurrences, Holter monitoring or event monitoring is commonly utilized. Another method, albeit less dependable, involves utilizing smartwatches or similar devices to record heart rhythms.

I hope this has helped you.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

I have another question. Is it true that individuals who take beta-blocker medications should avoid consuming fruits like oranges and apples?

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

Regarding your last query, there is no specific restriction for people taking beta-blocker medications to avoid fruits such as oranges or apples.

I hope this has helped you.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

I will send you my past test results and discharge summary. Please have a look and let me know what happened to me.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I will review your discharge summary and all previous messages and will get back to you shortly.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed byDr. K. Shobana

Published At July 21, 2023
Reviewed AtNovember 4, 2024

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