Heart Palpitations? Is this normal?

Mpalamar

So I have been eating clean for just over 2 months now. No 'cheating' at all. The last 3 days I have eaten some chips, and each time I eat them I end up with heart palpitations afterwards for a few hours. It's like my body is rejecting the junk food. Anyone else experience this? I read that high carb and high sugar foods can do this, but I've never experienced this before. I think I'll stick to my fruits and nuts for my 'junk food' .... these palpitations really suck.

stephanie20314

Go see a doctor and make them take you seriously. Cardiac problems in women are underdiagnosed and undertreated. Go get checked out and stop eating the brand of chips causing it.

lynn1982

No, it's not normal. I get heart palpitations from eating grains and dairy (which I don't digest well anyway) as well as low blood pressure. BUT, I have a condition called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). I have low blood volume which contributes to low blood pressure and my autonomic nervous system doesn't work properly all the time. In terms of eating grains and its relationship on my tachycardia (heart palpitations), my cardiologist has explained that this happens to me because grains and dairy are harder for my body to digest, so as my stomach is digesting, more blood rushes to that area. This makes my heart work harder (the heart palpitations) and my blood pressure drop.

I am NOT saying that you have this at all - to be clear, it is rare. BUT I am saying that if this continues, you really should see your doctor. Your heart is not something to play around with and no one on here can diagnose you.

bpetrosky

See a doctor. I doubt it's the "junk food" but your symptoms could be anything from an anxiety disorder to electrolyte imbalance to a serious heart condition. If there is any doubt, get a checkup.

snickerscharlie

To your body all food is just energy. It does not differentiate. Please discuss this with a physician and not random peeps on the internet. Your heart is too important to screw around with.

Mpalamar

I don't feel it's necessary to go to the doctors. Heart palpitations are very common and rarely a cause for concern. I know exactly what's causing them (the chips) - so I know if I stop eating them (which I obviously will) then I won't have them anymore. I just found it strange. My body has never reacted to a food like this before. It's more interesting than it is scary.

PS. Not looking for a diagnosis either, lol...

queenliz99

You should get a check up with your doctor. Why mess with this

singingflutelady

Chips don't cause palpable but lots of medical issues can and yes palpitations can be dangerous

Alyssa_Is_LosingIt

Mpalamar wrote: »

I don't feel it's necessary to go to the doctors. Heart palpitations are very common and rarely a cause for concern. I know exactly what's causing them (the chips) - so I know if I stop eating them (which I obviously will) then I won't have them anymore. I just found it strange. My body has never reacted to a food like this before. It's more interesting than it is scary.

PS. Not looking for a diagnosis either, lol...

Oh dear.

lynn1982

Mpalamar wrote: »

I don't feel it's necessary to go to the doctors. Heart palpitations are very common and rarely a cause for concern. I know exactly what's causing them (the chips) - so I know if I stop eating them (which I obviously will) then I won't have them anymore. I just found it strange. My body has never reacted to a food like this before. It's more interesting than it is scary.

PS. Not looking for a diagnosis either, lol...

Heart palpitations can absolutely be a cause for concern and you'll never know what is actually causing them unless you see your doctor. I hope for your sake that it isn't anything serious. But that's really your problem if you are unwilling to have this checked out. If you want to play around with your life, then good luck to you. Heart conditions are no laughing matter, despite your use of "lol." I can't fathom why you would waste your own time posting this question in that case.

lynn1982

Alyssa_Is_LosingIt wrote: »

Mpalamar wrote: »

I don't feel it's necessary to go to the doctors. Heart palpitations are very common and rarely a cause for concern. I know exactly what's causing them (the chips) - so I know if I stop eating them (which I obviously will) then I won't have them anymore. I just found it strange. My body has never reacted to a food like this before. It's more interesting than it is scary.

PS. Not looking for a diagnosis either, lol...

Oh dear.

Exactly.

choppie70

I am curious why you think the chips make you have heart palpitations? I don't see the logic behind that.

Palpitations can occur for a variety of reasons unrelated to heart disease. These include:

Overexertion
Stress
Caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, or diet pills
Overactive thyroid
Hormone changes associated with menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause
Low blood pressure
Heart disease or abnormal heart valves
The body’s response to medications such as thyroid pills, cold medicines, and asthma drugs

I had heart palpitations and went right to my DR. I have extremely low potassium levels. Not only was it causing the heart palpitations (my Dr. said I was lucky I did not wind up in the ER with a serious heart problem) but the low potassium levels sent my urine PH out of whack and helped from a 22mm kidney stone that lodged in my ureter.

singingflutelady

choppie70 wrote: »

I am curious why you think the chips make you have heart palpitations? I don't see the logic behind that.

Palpitations can occur for a variety of reasons unrelated to heart disease. These include:

Overexertion
Stress
Caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, or diet pills
Overactive thyroid
Hormone changes associated with menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause
Low blood pressure
Heart disease or abnormal heart valves
The body’s response to medications such as thyroid pills, cold medicines, and asthma drugs

I had heart palpitations and went right to my DR. I have extremely low potassium levels. Not only was it causing the heart palpitations (my Dr. said I was lucky I did not wind up in the ER with a serious heart problem) but the low potassium levels sent my urine PH out of whack and helped from a 22mm kidney stone that lodged in my ureter.

Also low iron can cause tachycardia (fast heart rate). Lots of things can.

ziggy2006

One common dietary cause of heart palpitations is caffeine. Caffeine is a common ingredient in supplements that claim to boost metabolism, increase energy, or increase metabolism. If you've started drinking energy drinks, diet soda, or protein bars that claim to boost your energy or metabolism, check those for their caffeine content as well.
Caffeine can also worsen anxiety, which can cause heart palpitations.

Some medications can also cause heart palpitations - have you been sick recently?

Definitely see your doctor to have your palpitations evaluated. Expect an EKG, 24 hour Holter monitor, and an echocardiogram. In my case, the Holter monitor revealed premature atrial contractions, which are common and benign. It makes me more sensitive to caffeine, which I thought I had eliminated from my diet because of my insomnia issues, but it turns out that those Coke Zeros that I used to enjoy actually have caffeine (I had stupidly assumed the Zero meant 0 caffeine as well as 0 calories, just like with Sprite Zero).

booksandchocolate12

I'll just add on to the "this is not normal and not something you want to mess with" pile.

But since you're ok with it not being normal and are willing to take a chance with your heart ....good luck with that.

ndj1979

Mpalamar wrote: »

I don't feel it's necessary to go to the doctors. Heart palpitations are very common and rarely a cause for concern. I know exactly what's causing them (the chips) - so I know if I stop eating them (which I obviously will) then I won't have them anymore. I just found it strange. My body has never reacted to a food like this before. It's more interesting than it is scary.

PS. Not looking for a diagnosis either, lol...

if you already know whats wrong then why even post this thread???

what is your medical background that you know how to diagnosis the cause of your heart palpitations…?

FYI = eating some candy and chips does not cause heart problems...

pootle1972

Mpalamar wrote: »

I don't feel it's necessary to go to the doctors. Heart palpitations are very common and rarely a cause for concern. I know exactly what's causing them (the chips) - so I know if I stop eating them (which I obviously will) then I won't have them anymore. I just found it strange. My body has never reacted to a food like this before. It's more interesting than it is scary.

PS. Not looking for a diagnosis either, lol...

Then why ask?

faramelee

Mpalamar wrote: »

I don't feel it's necessary to go to the doctors. Heart palpitations are very common and rarely a cause for concern. I know exactly what's causing them (the chips) - so I know if I stop eating them (which I obviously will) then I won't have them anymore. I just found it strange. My body has never reacted to a food like this before. It's more interesting than it is scary.

PS. Not looking for a diagnosis either, lol...

Ok cool, don't go to the doctors, what do we know??? Just to point out though that the title of this post ended with the question 'Is this normal?'. I think that all of the above people have very kindly answered your question and I tend to agree with them. What happens if it continues when you stop eating the chips?
I think it would be wise to visit your doctor anyway, it can't hurt and if you are one of the unlucky 'cause for concerners' it will be picked up earlier rather than later.

Good luck!

booksandchocolate12

choppie70 wrote: »

I am curious why you think the chips make you have heart palpitations? I don't see the logic behind that.

Palpitations can occur for a variety of reasons unrelated to heart disease. These include:

Overexertion
Stress
Caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, or diet pills
Overactive thyroid
Hormone changes associated with menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause
Low blood pressure
Heart disease or abnormal heart valves
The body’s response to medications such as thyroid pills, cold medicines, and asthma drugs

I had heart palpitations and went right to my DR. I have extremely low potassium levels. Not only was it causing the heart palpitations (my Dr. said I was lucky I did not wind up in the ER with a serious heart problem) but the low potassium levels sent my urine PH out of whack and helped from a 22mm kidney stone that lodged in my ureter.

This is very helpful. If the OP had stated that she had given up coffee and was experiencing palpitations after drinking it again, I would think that the coffee (or, rather, the caffeine in the coffee) was the culprit. But potato chips? I'm skepitcal.

PS--I experience mild palpitations too, just before my period. I found out this was normal by asking my doctor about it.

Lounmoun

Not normal. Go to the doctor.

xtina315

Chips won't cause heart palpitations. But what my cardiologist has said they are very common in young women. You can get them more when your anemic, hormone changes from your period, dehydrated. I currently get them, because I have other cardiac issues. But if they are persistant, last long, you get short of breath dizzy etc call your doctor.

EvgeniZyntx

I ... ummm.... nope... not that.

nutmegoreo

No it's not normal. I question your cause-effect analysis. See your doctor and get an actual diagnosis. Women are very atypical in the way they present with cardiac issues.

amusedmonkey

Could it be that eating what you consider "junk" is making you a bit anxious, even if you are not aware of it? Or that you have developed some deficiency that causes heart palpitations and this anxiety makes you notice it more after eating junk food? As far as I know, nothing in potato chips causes heart palpitations. It's just potatoes, oil and salt. Does a potato salad cause the same issues?

LBuehrle8

amusedmonkey wrote: »

Could it be that eating what you consider "junk" is making you a bit anxious, even if you are not aware of it? Or that you have developed some deficiency that causes heart palpitations and this anxiety makes you notice it more after eating junk food? As far as I know, nothing in potato chips causes heart palpitations. It's just potatoes, oil and salt. Does a potato salad cause the same issues?

From her use of the term clean eating and has been "eating clean" the last couple months-this was my first guess. She probably subconsciously correlates chips as "bad" now since they're "junk" and is experiencing anxiety or guilt from eating them.

Go get it checked out, heart palpitations are not something to ignore OP.

earlnabby

I had heart palpitations when I overate a very high carb food. I am diabetic and need to moderate my carb consumption and spread them out over the day. I talked to my doctor and she said the palpitations were from the sudden really high spike in blood sugar. My T2Dm is totally managed through diet and exercise (my A1C ans fasting glucose are on the low side of the normal range), but I will ALWAYS be diabetic and need to watch my diet because of it.

I echo what the others said . . . get thee to a doctor. You need to know what is happening and if you need to adjust something.

jofjltncb6

Are these chips laced with speed?

zoeysasha37

nutmegoreo wrote: »

No it's not normal. I question your cause-effect analysis. See your doctor and get an actual diagnosis. Women are very atypical in the way they present with cardiac issues.

This

brower47

Mpalamar wrote: »

I don't feel it's necessary to go to the doctors. Heart palpitations are very common and rarely a cause for concern. I know exactly what's causing them (the chips) - so I know if I stop eating them (which I obviously will) then I won't have them anymore. I just found it strange. My body has never reacted to a food like this before. It's more interesting than it is scary.

PS. Not looking for a diagnosis either, lol...

No.

So. Much. No.

tomteboda

LBuehrle8 wrote: »

From her use of the term clean eating and has been "eating clean" the last couple months-this was my first guess. She probably subconsciously correlates chips as "bad" now since they're "junk" and is experiencing anxiety or guilt from eating them.

Go get it checked out, heart palpitations are not something to ignore OP.

That was my thought too. Stress-induced panic attacks are a distinct possibility. I'd go see a doctor because palpitations are generally a sign something's wrong with your heart, not your diet.

stephanie20314

Terry Schiavo probably had similiar thoughts before going into cardiac arrest and turning into a vegetable for 15 years before being allowed to die. Vitamin K deficiency while dieting. You're on here to get healthy, so don't ignore warning signs.