Experiencing an erratic heart rate is frightening. If you notice that you develop heart palpitations when you take a probiotic supplement, stop using the supplement and call your doctor. Heart palpitations can be a sign of a severe allergic reaction that could cause death if not treated. Heart palpitations are erratic heart rhythms that may cause your heart rate to increase and slow down. Heart palpitations are a sign of an adverse reaction affecting your cardiovascular system. Call your doctor immediately if you develop this symptom.
Probiotics
Probiotics are commonly used to maintain digestive regularity and to treat diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and intestinal infections, according to MayoClinic.com. While you don't need probiotics in your diet to maintain health, many believe that daily consumption of this supplement may help prevent certain digestive conditions. Probiotics are bacteria found in your colon and are considered beneficial. For example, when you develop diarrhea, your colon empties itself, depleting the helpful bacteria. Probiotic supplements can help restore the helpful bacteria in your colon. Talk with your doctor before using this supplement.
Hypersensitivity
An immune system hypersensitivity, also called an allergic reaction, is possible while taking probiotic supplements, according to Drugs.com. Common symptoms of an allergic reaction to probiotic supplements include swelling in your lips, tongue or face, hives and shortness of breath. These symptoms develop because your immune system mistakes one or more of the ingredients in the supplement as a foreign substance that can harm your body. The immune system reacts by producing immunoglobulin E antibodies, which cause a chemical reaction throughout the body, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Heart Palpitations
Heart palpitations are not a common result of an allergic reaction, unless it's a severe reaction called anaphylaxis. MedlinePlus explains that during anaphylaxis your entire body develops an allergy that causes your body to experience a state of shock. Common symptoms of this type of reaction also include abdominal pain, anxiety, confusion, diarrhea, trouble breathing, wheezing, fainting, dizziness, hives, nasal congestion, skin redness and slurred speech. If you develop heart palpitation along with any of the above symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Treatment
During anaphylaxis your soft tissues become inflamed, constricted and your blood vessels dilate, resulting in the life-threatening symptoms. The most common treatment for this type of reaction is an injection of epinephrine, synthetic adrenalin. An epinephrine injection will cause your blood vessels to constrict, reduce inflammation and cause your breathing to return to normal.
