Re: Skipped beats especially afetr eating...

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on March 02, 1999 at 15:46:50:

In Reply to: Skipped beats especially afetr eating... posted by beth sumner on March 02, 1999 at 14:45:56:






I am a 34 yr old female with no prior heart/health problems.  I am recently experiencing skipped
heartbeats.  They occur througout the day; sporatically.  They are most intense after I eat a meal.  I feel
a "thumping" in my throat/chest. I stopped smoking 3 1/2 yrs ago, stopped caffeine, drink only a glass or two
of wine with meals a few times a week. I have no other pain associated when this happens but
it is worrysome to me as well as downright annoying.....Is there any correlation between heart rate or
blood pressure and food?  I will be seeing my physician in 3 weeks for a check-up.
Thanks!





Dear Beth,
There may actually be a good explanation for your symptoms.  People with stomach problems often have what is called "reflux" where acid from the stomach "backs-up" into the esophagus.  This leads to a heartburn sensation.  The esophagus runs right next to the heart and this irritation may be increasing your palpatitions.  I would see your doctor about starting medication for the stomach and you may find a "side effect" is a decrease in your palpitations.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.  Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.  The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.