Whey proteins cause heart palpitations because you are allergic to them. Whey is found in a wide array of foods that contain dairy products. Do not ingest products that contain whey protein if you're allergic to milk. The heart palpitations from consuming whey protein can cause a severe allergic reaction that could lead to death. If you're unsure whether or not a food contains whey, do not eat it until you can talk with your allergist. Foods that contain whey include diary products, protein bars and protein shakes. Read product labels before ingesting a new food product.
Whey Allergy
Milk contains two proteins; whey and casein. Whey proteins are found in the liquid part of the milk after it curdles. Casein proteins are mainly found in the curd of the milk, but if you receive a diagnosis that you're allergic to whey, you need to avoid all dairy, according to Kids Health. Consuming diary products that are made from casein proteins may still contain a small amount of whey, triggering an allergic reaction. Most people with a whey allergy develop minor to moderate symptoms. Severe symptoms, such as heart palpitations, will require emergency medical attention.
Severe Allergic Reaction
Severe allergic reactions can occur within a few minutes of ingesting products that contain whey proteins. A severe allergic reaction is also called anaphylaxis. A severe allergic reaction occurs when your immune system mistakes the whey proteins as a threat to the body. The immune system reacts by attacking the whey with immunoglobulin E antibodies and histamine, according to MayoClinic.com. A sudden and large amount of these chemicals entering the blood stream can cause your body to expereince a state of shock, called anaphylactic shock. A severe allergic reaction will cause heart palpitations, a faint pulse, shortness of breath and facial swelling.
Testing
If you develop heart palpitations from eating whey proteins, your doctor will want to perform allergy tests to provide you with a clinical diagnosis. Whey proteins are injected in small doses under the top layer of your skin. If your skin develops inflammation, swelling or redness within 15 minutes, it is likely that you have an allergy to whey. A blood test will confirm the diagnosis. A sample of your blood is sent to a lab where whey proteins are introduced to your blood. The lab looks to see if your blood creates IgE antibodies from the introduction of whey. If IgE antibodie are present, you are allergic to whey.
Avoidance
An elimination diet is required for everyone that is allergic to whey. Avoiding all dairy products is the only way to prevent heart palpitations and other anaphylaxis symptoms from forming. The Cleveland Clinic states that you will need to avoid ice cream, half and half, cream, cheeses, custard, coffee creamers, creamy foods, pudding, margarine, butter, sauces, lactose and dry milk.
