Why does my 25 year old brother get AFib after spicy food?

Question

Hi doctor,

My 25-year-old brother has had multiple bouts of atrial fibrillation (AFib), and we have noticed that some of these episodes tend to come after he consumes highly spicy foods. Otherwise, he is healthy, and to the best of our knowledge, he has no severe underlying cardiac abnormalities.

We’re a little mystified as to why spicy food would be an apparent trigger for AFib.

Is it possible that certain people can get abnormal cardiac rhythms from eating particular foods, including spicy foods?
If there appears to be a pattern, would you suggest he stay away from spicy meals altogether?

The pattern has been constant enough that it doesn't seem like a coincidence, so we would greatly appreciate your thoughts on whether this could be a legitimate trigger and if any other assessment or food adjustments would be recommended.

Please help.

Thank you for your time and counsel.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am sorry to hear your brother has been having episodes of atrial fibrillation (AFib).

Some people may have AFib episodes after certain foods, but not all people. Spicy foods do not directly cause AFib, but in predisposed persons, they could be a contributing factor. For example, spicy foods might cause acid reflux, stomach distension, increased adrenaline release, alterations in the autonomic nervous system, or general discomfort, all of which could predispose the heart to develop an irregular rhythm.

Your brother is 25 years old and generally healthy, so it is vital to check for an underlying cause. The first procedure would be an echocardiogram (echo) to look at the structure and function of his heart and rule out any structural issues. Other potential triggers or contributory variables, including stress, poor sleep, alcohol, coffee, dehydration, thyroid issues, or an underlying electrical susceptibility to AFib, are also worth evaluating.

If the link with spicy food has been reasonably consistent, then it would be appropriate for him to cut down or avoid spicy food for a few weeks and see if the episodes become less frequent. But until you get a proper medical evaluation, there’s no reason to cut out spicy meals forever.

He should also follow up with a cardiologist, ideally an electrophysiologist, to discover the cause of the AFib at such a young age and whether there is any further testing or therapy indicated.

Hope this helps to answer your question.

I would be glad to help you.