Increased heart rate

I am 56 years old male. I have chronic stomach issues which I manage with diet control and occasional medication based on doctor's advice including rantadine.  I have been having increased heart beat (120 bpm or even more) in the morning off & on normally after morning chores. I also experience lot of gas in the stomach and belching at that time. The increased beat causes a lot of anxiety and sometimes panic. Invariably, well almost always, it settles down to normal heart beat in 10-15 minutes of having an antacid tablet. I have been checking my heart beat from time to time and it remains between 62-72 mostly and sometimes may go up to 80. The last time around I got a simple electro-cardiogram done within 30 minutes of the episode which was normal.  Does it mean early sign of heart problem? Is there an established connection between heart rythm and gas?  

[itdood]

There's anecdotal evidence that GI trouble can irritate the vagus nerve which in turn can affect heart rate or cause other types of benign arrhythmia.

What you've described is a linear increase and linear decrease in rate.  This points in the direction of plain 'ol Sinus Tachycardia, which isn't troubling on the surface.  Your panic/anxiety is exacerbating this symptom.

What you've described is not typical for SVTs that require further study, and you're not listing other types of symptoms that would trigger further study.

That said, it's wise to be checked by a cardiologist to be sure.  Think of it as your yearly physical.

[cindy707]

I live in California and we have a doc here that is always on T.V. giving medical advice and actually talked about this a couple of weeks ago.  His name is Dr. Oz.....i would look up his site and put in your symtoms (symptoms) and see what you find....but itdood is right, just to be safe see a heart doc..........................

[groovy2]

Thanks. I somehow had the feeling that I was not unique! I do not get other symptoms such as pain, of profuse sweating ( just mild perspiration) if that is what you mean. I feel a little shaky in the legs. I did see a doc who asked me to go thru' Holter monitoring as a starting point although he feels I suffer from IBS. I look forward to what Dr. Oz.. had to say. Yes I am sure panic adds to it as I have some tendency to panic and autosuggestion helps at the time of episode. Since I live in India, gas relieving home remedies ( favorite with and administered by my wife) also work! Would like to keep sharing further developments.