Heart palpitations may make you feel as if your heart is racing, pounding or fluttering. They can be triggered by many factors including stress, dehydration and medications. Nutritional causes related to foods and drinks you consume are another possibility. Heart palpitations are not usually serious, but they can be a symptom of a heart rhythm problem. Consult your physician if you have frequent palpitations.
Heart Palpitations
Heart palpitations are extra beats originating from the top chambers of your heart. These beats can occur randomly or they can form a frequent pattern. Heart palpitations are usually harmless but can potentially lead to an arrhythmia. They can also be a sign of low potassium, an abnormal heart valve, a fever, or too much stress on the body. Palpitations are treatable but should be monitored by a physician if symptoms are persistent.
Caffeine
According to the American Heart Association, there is a link between caffeine and developing cardiovascular disease. Caffeine is a well-known stimulant. It has very strong effects on the central nervous system, the kidneys and the release of fatty acids. Too much caffeine can put stress on the kidneys and cause dehydration. When the body is dehydrated it has increased chances of heart palpitations. Stimulating the central nervous system also increases heart palpitations by speeding up your heart rate. Decreasing the amount of caffeine you consume can decrease heart palpitations.
Monosodium Glutamate
Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is a type of flavor enhancer. It is used in some Chinese foods, processed meats, and canned vegetables. According to MayoClinic.com, MSG has been reported to be safe for consuming; however, there are many reports of people who suffer heart palpitations. They are usually not severe and do not require a doctor visit. If symptoms progress and are frequent with MSG intake, however, you should avoid foods with the additive.
Energy Drinks
Energy drinks have become increasingly popular over the past decade. The purpose of these drinks is to provide instant energy. They are filled with caffeine, sugar, herbal extracts and many other stimulants. Many of these drinks have such a high concentration of these stimulating ingredients; the heart cannot maintain a regular rhythm. You should not consume an energy drink if you have frequent palpitations.
References
- Medline Plus: Heart Palpitations
- Cleveland Clinic: Arrhythmia Heart Palpitations
- MayoClinic.com: Monosodium glutamate (MSG): Is it harmful?; Katherine Zeratsky
- American Heart Association: Caffeine and Cardiovascular Disease
- "Nutrition Journal"; A Survey of Energy Drink Consumption Patterns Among College Students; Malinauskas et al.; 2007
