Tachycardia/Weakness after eating

[Angelina14799]

I'm a 33 yo overweight female. For years I've had episodes of tachycardia with dizziness and extreme fatigue after eating. Especially after eating lunch. It usually happens about 15 minutes after I eat and may last 30 - 45 mins. I've not actually measured my heart rate but it pounds very fast and hard with numbness in my face and hands and sometimes trembling. After the episode is over I'm extremely tired and sleepy. I have ongoing history of anxiety and panic attacks that are under control with Lexapro and Xanax. I've also had HTN since I was 18 but that has also remained under control with meds. I take Synthorid for hypothyroidism which is also under control. I do have more than the normal amount of allergies at 2000+ but most of them don't cause me any symptoms that I know of. Other than being overweight and the chronic issues I've listed I'm healthy. My most recent EKG was normal according to my docter. I've eliminated sugar, salt and caffeine from my diet because they trigger heart racing and anxiety attacks for me, but the episodes of tachycardia predate the anxiety attacks. What could be causing this? I worry that this and the anxiety are related to each other.

[Calimbra66]

I have tachycardia.  It became noticeable about a year and a half ago with heart rate at times over 200 beats per min.  I was put on metoprolol, had many side effects but kept with it.  At some point metoprolol (generic for Toprol XL) became unavailable, was switched to brand name Toprol XL, and have stayed with it since much fewer side effects, namely less "brain fog."  My tachycardia seems to be set off by preservatives, incl sulfites/ates, nitrites/ates, flavor enhancers like monosodium glutamate, and red pepper flake.  Black pepper in moderation doesn't seem to be a problem for me.  Eating out is typically not an option since restaurants use preservatives and flavor enhancers in cooking or are already present in products they use for cooking. There are also restaurants/chains that are dishonest and/or secretive about what is in their foods.  I cook at home often and eat very carefully; I shop by reading every label. I still get occasional tachycardia but almost not at all now.  And when I do, not over 120. Usually will peak out at 80/85. Regular heart rate these days typically 60-65.  Blood pressure has been regulated with the betablocker Toprol XL.  No other meds.  I hope this helps someone out there.  

[kawagumby]

I have had episodes of undiagnosed atrial fibrillation for years....always triggered by a man-made chemical such as artificial sweeteners and the nemesis of good health...the salty american meal.  Are you sure you're not taking in more salt than you should? It is often hidden in many foods - including bread - you cannot eat out and not have too much salt IMO. If I have a meal over 700 mg salt (anything in a restaurant or fast foof) I have had the symptoms you describe. Artificial sugars are a stimulant too. Anyhoo...it sounds a lot like afib in the making....that's how mine started.  Keep your daily salt total under 2000 mg and potassium over 3500 mg and see if that helps.  Your EKG may be normal unless you are taking the test during an episode, it took eight years before my afib was finally diagnosed - when I had a tachy episode...
My problems have seemed to resolve with a DASH diet - 20 pt drop in BP and chronic afib has stopped.
Good luck!

BTW, the drugs the doctors gave me just made me sick and didn't really help anything...

[iamabaptist]

I occasionally had tachy after eating. I seemed to have solved those problems by doing the following

1.daily dose of apple cider vinegar. I got the liquid kind from vitamin shoppe.
2. peppermint oil capsules (enteric coated) when needed (used when I had minor signs of indigestion).
3. I also got a colon cleanse done.


I am not sure if this had cured the problem. But I haven't had tachy for many months now and I feel comfortable trying out new foods. My life is much better.

I hope this helps

[itdood]

I think the problem and the anxiety are related.  I don't think it's heart related per se.   Still get yourself checked out.  

[is_something_wrong]

I think you should evaluate your meals with your doctor.

It's good that sugar is eliminated, but what about white bread/other high carb meals? What often happens is: You eat, blood sugar levels increase, your body produces a lot of insuline, which makes the blood sugar levels decrease rapidly. Your body thinks this is dangerous, and produces lots of adrenaline to raise the blood sugar levels again, and so on..

In addition, it's normal to have an elevated heart rate after meals. Blood is running to the GI tract to help digest the food.

[Jerry_NJ]

Is the eating scenario basically the same each day:  time, type of food, type of drink, environment... other factors?  If not, can you associate one of the factors with the heart symptoms?  If there are no factors you can control perhaps what you have learned will help our doctor diagnose.

Good luck,