Ask a doctor on the topic of Internal medicine

Suddenly extreme heart palpitations, especially while sitting and after eating.

April 7, 2021 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Dear medical team,

For the past few days, I have been experiencing a lot of premature heartbeats, especially when sitting down. It all started about 10 days ago when I consumed a lot of sweets and strong black tea over a weekend, and also had a herpes outbreak (not sure if it is related). Since then, I have been experiencing premature heartbeats, especially after eating (around 3-4 extra beats per minute for 1-2 hours). When I stand up and move around, they go away or are greatly reduced. I do not experience dizziness, breathing problems, or pain, only extreme anxiety. Physically, I feel fine, I have energy and am not tired. Before these 10 days, everything was fine, I was exercising daily and eating whatever I wanted. Now, I am afraid to eat even though I have an appetite. After 10 days, it has improved somewhat, at least I do not have constant premature heartbeats anymore. I have an appointment with a cardiologist on April 13th, but I am going crazy mentally waiting, so I wanted to ask for advice on what this could be. Could it be related to the gastrointestinal tract? Diaphragm injury/irritation during exercise? Usually, after about 2 hours after eating, the symptoms subside and I have more or less relief from the premature heartbeats until the next meal. Then it starts all over again. I am a 35-year-old male, non-smoker, 184 cm tall, and weigh 105 kg. Thank you in advance for your response.

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good morning,

Often, it is not the food that triggers the extrasystoles, but rather the feeling that they become more noticeable when the stomach is full. It's simply tight in the chest.

Everyone has extrasystoles, we just hardly ever notice them (as we see in 24-hour EKGs). However, when the chest feels tight, or when the heart beats stronger due to anxiety, they can be felt more.

If you don't experience any circulatory problems as a result, you can rest assured. Injuries or irritation of the diaphragm from exercise or eating are not possible.

If you wish, you can try if electrolytes like Tromcardin can help improve the situation.

Normally, your primary care physician should also see you, as they can perform a long-term EKG and investigate the causes. After all, they are also a specialist and can clarify many things in advance.

Warm regards,
Dr. Gehring