Wheat intolerance is a general term that may describe a wheat allergy or celiac disease. Confusing the two conditions is easy to do because they can cause similar digestive symptoms to develop after eating wheat products. Heart palpitations can occur as a result of a wheat allergy if you have a severe allergic reaction. Celiac disease will not cause heart palpitations because it is a digestive condition that doesn't affect any other systems in the body. Heart palpitations are a concerning symptom that needs to be evaluated by a doctor.
Wheat Allergy
A wheat allergy is the result of a reaction in the immune system that triggers the production of various chemicals in the body. When you eat wheat, the body doesn't identify one or more of the proteins in wheat as safe. The result of this mistake is the production of immunoglobulin E antibodies, created to attack and rid the body of the wheat proteins, according to MayoClinic.com. Most wheat allergy symptoms cause inflammation throughout the body from an increase of histamine in soft tissues. In rare cases, a severe reaction can cause anaphylactic shock, a potentially life-threatening severe allergy.
Allergy and Heart Palpitations
If you develop anaphylactic shock, you need to call 911 immediately. Not treating this condition can quickly lead to further complications and even death. During anaphylactic shock, your body releases dangerously high amounts of histamine and other chemicals that cause the body to experience a state of shock. Common symptoms of this kind of reaction include an increased heart rate, a drop in blood pressure, a faint pulse, lightheadedness and facial swelling. Anaphylaxis is treated with an injection of epinephrine.
Celiac Disease Consideration
Celiac disease, also known as a wheat or gluten intolerance, is a digestive condition that causes stomach pain, diarrhea, bloating, gas and cramping after eating foods that contain wheat, barely or rye, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Celiac disease is not fully understood, but doctors do know that whenever you eat foods that contain gluten, the lining of your small intestines becomes damaged. This damage can lead to malnourishment and significant weight loss. Celiac disease does not cause heart palpitations nor does it affect your cardiovascular system.
Avoidance
If you develop a rapid heart rate after eating wheat products, you need to call your doctor immediately. Receiving a clinical diagnosis is essential to knowing how to treat your condition. A diagnosis of a wheat allergy will require that you avoid all foods that contain wheat. Common foods include cookies, breads, crackers, pastas and cereals.
