An irregular heartbeat after consuming gluten can be a concerning symptom. Most gluten allergies cause minor allergy symptoms, but an increase in your heart rate may be an indication that you’re experiencing a severe allergic reaction that could lead to death. Gluten is a protein found in various products primarily that contain wheat, rye or barely by-products. Contact emergency medical personnel if you develop an irregular heartbeat from a gluten allergy.
Gluten Allergy
Gluten allergies are mostly connected with a wheat allergy. If you’re allergic to wheat, your immune system is hypersensitive to one or more of the proteins found in the grain. Along with gluten, albumin, globulin and gliadin are proteins that may trigger an allergic reaction from wheat products. If you’re allergic to wheat, your body is overly sensitive to the protein and treats it as if it were a threat to your body. This mistake causes the body to release immunoglobulin E antibodies to attack the allergen. These antibodies cause mast cells to produce histamine, a chemical that leads to inflammation, blood vessel dilation and increased mucus production in the body.
Irregular Heartbeat
An irregular heartbeat may feel like your heart is racing and then slows down. You may feel your heart pounding in your chest, causing a sense of panic. An irregular heartbeat from a gluten allergy is a sign of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis causes the body to enter a state of shock because excessive amounts of antibodies and histamine are released throughout the body. Along with your heartbeat being erratic, you also may notice that your pulse is weak. The sudden change in your heart rate may lead to other cardiovascular symptoms, such as tingling or numbness in your hands or feet, lightheadedness, dizziness and pale skin.
Other Symptoms
Other symptoms that can help you identify anaphylaxis include swelling in the face, lips, throat or tongue, hives, shortness of breathe, mental confusion, a metallic taste in your mouth and stomach pain. Most symptoms of anaphylaxis develop very quickly and can cause serious medical compilations in a matter of minutes.
Treatment
An injection of epinephrine is required to restore your normal bodily function. If you don’t have an epinephrine injector, after calling 911, lie on your back, raise your feet about 12 inches in the air and stay covered with a blanket.
