Heart palpitations, or arrhythmia, consist of an irregular heart beat or racing pulse that may be brought on by a number of different health-related factors. Exercise and weight loss products can both trigger heart palpitations. Both weight loss and heart palpitations are also associated with a number of health conditions including thyroid and pituitary problems as well as eating disorders.
Exercise
Many people striving to lose weight also exercise to aid in their weight loss, so heart palpitations experienced while on a weight-loss regime may be a result of the exercise rather than specifically caused by weight loss. Exercise can cause heart palpitations, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Exercise along with emotions like anxiety and fear can elevate the heart rate and may create a sensation that the heart is pounding. Low potassium levels can also result from excessive sweating due to exercising, particularly outdoors in hot conditions. While heart palpitations related to exercise are often harmless, heart palpitations may be associated with heart disease or malfunctions, so consult a physician promptly.
Diet Products
Weight loss products and supplements, rather than the loss of weight itself, may well be the cause of heart palpitations. Weight-loss pills, drinks and other diet products may contain caffeine or other stimulants that can cause heart palpitations. Ephedra in weight loss products can cause increased heart rate, and caffeine and guarana can cause heart palpitations, according to the Colorado State University Extension. Sports drinks may also contain significant amounts of caffeine and other pulse-quickening ingredients, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Eating Disorders
Anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder characterized by intentional self-starvation, often results in extreme weight loss. Heart palpitations along with rapid or unhealthy weight loss may be symptoms of anorexia nervosa, according to the New York University Langone Medical Center. Potentially fatal heart arrhythmia associated with the intense weight loss of anorexia are due to the loss of minerals, especially the electrolytes calcium and potassium, that are necessary to maintain a normal heartbeat, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Hyperthyroidism
Sudden weight loss along with heart palpitations are symptoms of hyperthyroidism, according to MayoClinic.com. Hyperthyroidism is a condition that rapidly accelerates metabolism. Some forms of pituitary tumor may also cause both weight loss and heart palpitations, according to Dr. Stephen B. Tatter of the Massachusetts General Hospital Neuroendocrine Clinical Center. Both hyperthyroidism and pituitary tumors are potential serious negative health conditions, so see a doctor immediately when experiencing unexplained or unintended weight loss, especially if accompanied by heart palpitations.
References
- MayoClinic.com Symptom Checker: Heart Palpitations
- MyClevelandClinic.org: Arrhythmia: Heart Palpitations
- Massachusetts General Hospital Neuroendocrine Clinical Center; Pituitary Tumor Symptoms; Stephen B. Tatter MD PhD; Spring 2009
- New York University Langone Medical Center; Anorexia; Amy Scholten MPH; September 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Eating Disorders
- Colorado State University Extension; Weight Loss Products and Programs; J. Anderson et al.; December 2008
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