Heart palpitations that develop after you've eaten chocolate are alarming symptoms that require medical attention. Chocolate is made from the cocoa bean. Allergies to the cocoa bean are rare. But chocolate usually contains other ingredients that commonly cause allergic reactions. An increased heart rate after you've eaten chocolate may be a sign of anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Stop eating the chocolate until you can be seen by a medical professional who can diagnose and treat your condition
What's In Chocolate?
Each chocolate product contains different ingredients. Some of the common ingredients include cocoa beans, cocoa butter, sugar and lecithin. But many chocolate products also have wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs and milk, to which some people are allergic. If you have an allergy to one or more of these ingredients and you consume chocolate that contains them, you could develop a severe reaction.
Allergic Reaction
Any time a substance enters your body, whether via ingestion, inhalation or injection, it is evaluated by your immune system. Some substances, such as bacteria, parasites and viruses, are identified as dangerous and are attacked by antibodies and other bodily chemicals. During an allergic reaction, your immune system erroneously identifies proteins in a food as dangerous, when in fact they are safe. Once this mistake is made, your immune system begins a chain reaction of chemicals that cause inflammation and common allergy symptoms.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is an extreme allergic reaction commonly associated with insect bites, medications and foods. Consuming even a small amount of a food that you're allergic to can cause your body to go into anaphylactic shock. An increased, faint heart rate is a primary sign of anaphylaxis. Call 9-1-1 immediately if you develop heart palpitations or any of the following symptoms: warmth in your mouth, hives, flushed skin, a lump in your throat, dizziness, fainting, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, a metallic taste in your mouth or swelling in your face, lips or tongue.
Treatment
Heart palpitations that result from an allergic reaction after you've eaten chocolate need to be treated with an injection of epinephrine, a prescription drug that reduces inflammation in a matter of minutes. If you have a food allergy, talk with your doctor about a prescription for an epinephrine pen that you can carry with you. If you don't have one, call your doctor as soon as you experience symptoms.
