HomeAnswersCardiologypvcI have symptoms of palpitations and PVCs after eating food. Why?

What causes palpitations and PVCs after eating food?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At May 13, 2023
Reviewed AtAugust 8, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have symptoms of palpitations and PVC beats after eating food. Kindly interpret my ambulatory ECG report.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Holter monitoring reports are normal (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). Rare episodes of PVC (premature ventricular contractions) are normal occurrences. Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

What does sinus arrhythmia indicate? Also, PVCs are not that rare for me. I get them every time I eat. Soon as I finish eating they start and last for on average two hours. On and off not constantly maybe sometimes more than 20 minutes then stop for a while. What can be the reason for this?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Sinus arrhythmia is a normal and healthy arrhythmia. It indicates the autonomic nervous system is working fine. Regarding PVCs or palpitations after eating meals can be due to food allergy to certain foods, consumption of caffeine or caffeinated beverages. This can cause an increase in heart rate and result in palpitations, and meals high in carbohydrates especially at times when your blood sugar levels are relatively low cause sudden spike in blood sugar and cause palpitations or PVCs. You may take low-dose of beta-blocker medicine. These are medicines that lower heart rate, and control PVCs. Take a tablet of Metoprolol tartrate 25 mg half tablet twice a day, then the dose may be increased according to response every week. Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My heart rate is not always high. It sometimes hits around 120 bpm after eating. But the PVCs also occur when the heart rate calms down to around 80 bpm. I feel every single one of them in my chest. Can they be dangerous and can they damage my heart? Currently, an echocardiogram test shows the normal structure of the heart. Kindly help.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

No, a small number of PVCs are not a serious issue. Your seven-day Holter test showed only 27 PVCs and your symptoms did not necessarily correspond to these PVCs. Your average heart rate was 78 bpm, which is normal. You should avoid processed foods and limit spicy foods, not eat up to a full stomach, always keep space, and drink plenty of water. Note what foods make you feel palpitations, avoid these foods. Sometimes gastric acid reflux can cause palpitations. Take a tablet of Omeprazole 20 mg capsule once a day. Your echo is normal means the mechanical function of the heart is normal. Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Do you advise any more heart tests to rule out anything?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Palpitations are commonly due to cardiac arrhythmia and the most reliable test for detecting arrhythmia is Holter monitoring. If there are significant numbers of PVCs, then echocardiography is done to see any structural heart disease. Both are normal in your case. Isolated PVCs are not dangerous. They can be controlled with some preventive steps I described already and medicines like beta blockers. Another test for PVCs is serum potassium and magnesium levels. Low levels may cause PVCs. As a last resort when PVCs are large in number in 24 hours and are symptomatic, the cardiac electrophysiological study is done and the focus of PVCs is detected and ablated with radiofrequency catheter ablation. This usually cures PVCs in more than 95 % of cases but has a small risk of heart block. Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Muhammad Zohaib Siddiq
Dr. Muhammad Zohaib Siddiq

Cardiology

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