What could cause an increased heartbeat after eating?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 25-year-old male. Today, when I woke up, I felt pain in all of my joints. In the evening, about 30 minutes after dinner, my heart started beating very fast, and I counted it at around 104 bpm. Could you please assist me in understanding what might be causing this?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I want to ask you a few things. What did you have for supper? Apart from the body ache, are you experiencing any other symptoms like loose stools, vomiting, or nausea? Sometimes, vagal irritation or acid in the stomach can lead to reflux tachycardia, which is usually nothing to worry about. However, I still advise you to get an ECG (electrocardiogram) done and send it to us. In the meantime, I recommend taking a capsule of Omeprazole and Domperidone on an empty stomach in the morning for five days. Take a combination of Ibuprofen and Paracetamol twice daily after meals for two days.

If you experience a fast heartbeat again, take a 20 mg tablet of Propranolol (as needed). This medication is not for regular use. Avoid spicy food, do not consume water with your meal, and do not lie down immediately after eating. Take two to three short walks around the room, then drink water about five to ten minutes after your meal. Please report back to us with the ECG results.

Thank you.