Allergic reactions to certain foods can trigger symptoms in your cardiovascular system that could develop into potentially life-threatening reactions. All food allergies can affect your cardiovascular system, while some foods are more likely to cause a systemic reaction throughout the body. If you become lightheaded, dizzy or feel your heart racing, call 911 immediately for emergency medical attention. Do not attempt to self-medicate, unless your doctor has prescribed an epinephrine injector.
Food Allergies
Food allergies mainly affect children under the age of 5 years, but can develop later in life and become a lifelong medical condition. MayoClinic.com states that 6 to 8 percent of children have a food allergy, while about 3 to 4 percent of adults suffer from food allergies. The most common food allergies that affect the cardiovascular system include peanuts, tree nuts, melons, strawberries, pineapple, wheat, soy, eggs, milk and fish, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Food allergies can cause minor to severe cardiovascular reactions, depending on the severity of the allergy.
Minor Cardiovascular Symptoms
During an allergic reaction to a food, your immune system overreacts to certain proteins. The overreaction of the immune system triggers a chemical chain-reaction throughout the body, releasing antibodies, histamine and other chemicals. The sudden increase of these chemicals causes constriction of soft tissues and inflammation. These two actions can affect almost any system in your body. Minor cardiovascular symptoms may include irregular heart beats, lightheadedness and dizziness. If symptoms continue to worsen, call your doctor.
Severe Cardiovascular Symptoms
Severe cardiovascular symptoms from a food allergy are the result of anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction. Anaphylaxis from food allergies accounts for about half of all cases of anaphylaxis and leads to 100 deaths annually in the United States, according to the American College of Allergies, Asthma and Immunology. During a severe allergy, your entire body experiences an allergic reaction, which can lead to life-threatening symptoms. Common severe cardiovascular symptoms include pale or bluish-colored skin, an increased heart rate with a faint pulse, a sudden drop in blood pressure, fainting and trouble breathing.
Treatment
Treating food allergies begins with identifying the foods that trigger an allergic reaction. Once identified, you will need to eliminate these foods from your diet. Minor cardiovascular symptoms may be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines. Severe allergic reactions will require an injection of epinephrine, a medication that works rapidly to restore your normal bodily functions.
