Heart beating fast in the middle of the night

Question

Hi there,  I'm female 60years old.  Very active, work a stressful job and very long hours. I drive and stop most of the day around 150 miles everyday.  I sometimes do not eat during the day because I'm so busy.  When I get home I eat a large dinner usually salad with rice and chicken and usually so tired I go to bed around 8:30 am.  I have noticed that around 12:30am almost every night I wake up with my heart racing and pounding.  I do not feel sick or light headed but I can hear my heart beating in my head.  This will last for about 2 hours.  It seems to help to drink a large glass of water.  Now during normal waking hours I know that if I eat something with certain preservitives my heart will beat really hard and fast with from like what is in Dry fruit.  I try to stay away from those things but it is hard to say what preservative caused that.  Anyway what is going on should I quit eating carbs before bed??  
Thanks

skydnsr · Answer

You've gotten some good suggestions from the other commenters, but one more thing you could consider is MSG.  I have symptoms from MSG that are similar to what you are describing.  Most processed foods, convenience foods, restaurant foods, and canned foods contain MSG.  With your busy lifestyle, I wonder if you might be eating a good amount of such foods.  To make matters more complicated, MSG is not always labeled as such.  Sometimes a label will only say "natural flavors" or "spices," even though the product contains MSG.

RetiredNurse123 · Answer

I had this problem too---It could also be the nitrites in the dried fruits causing your arrythmias.   Check the package to see if they have nitrites in them--some people are sensitive to nitrites (found in most wine too).  Also avoid caffeine & MSG--drink decaf coffee or tea, avoid chocolate and see if your rapid heartbeats go away.  Also, if you're pre-menopause, hormones can play a role in aggravating these symptoms.  Always check with your MD to make sure this isn't a more serious medical problem. Hope you feel better!

DrAnitha · Answer

Hi, the palpitations may not be related to the food. Palpitations can be due to hyperthyroidism ( overactive thyroid), arrhythmias (altered electrical system of the heart), certain medications, heart failure, anemia and low blood sugar. It can be aggravated by exercise, fever, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and dehydration. Anxiety, fear or stress can cause palpitations. You should consult your primary care physician for therapy. He will examine you and may ask for blood tests and an EKG. Regards.