Heart palpitations, also called arrhythmia, are a medical symptom that causes your heart to race or create a pounding sensation in your chest. The most common causes of arrhythmia from eating certain foods include food allergies and side effects of caffeinated foods and beverages. Heart palpitations may be a sign of a more serious condition that you will need to discuss with your doctor. Avoid all foods and beverages that cause a noticeable difference in your heart rate.
Heart Palpitations
Heart palpitations may make you feel like you’ve exercised too much or that your heart is skipping beats. The symptoms may also create the sensation that your heart is slowing down and speeding up for no apparent reason. Palpitations may develop at any given time and may cause sensations in your neck, chest or throat, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Consistent heart palpitations may be a sign of heart disease, risk factors for heart disease, an abnormal heart valve or an underlying condition that causes irregular heartbeats.
Food Allergies
A racing heart rate that causes a faint pulse after eating certain foods is a sign of a severe allergic reaction. A food allergy is the result of your immune system malfunctioning when you eat certain foods. Common foods that cause an allergic reaction include wheat, soy, milk, fish, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, tomatoes, melons, pineapple and other tropical fruits, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A food allergy causes the production of immunoglobulin E antibodies, histamine and other inflammatory chemicals. The release of these chemicals into the bloodstream and soft tissues results in a drop in blood pressure, an increase in heart rate and the inability to breathe.
Anaphylaxis
Heart palpitations are a common sign of anaphylaxis, an extreme allergic reaction that causes your body to experience a state of shock. This type of reaction can lead to death if not treated promptly. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recommends calling 911 at the first signs of anaphylactic shock. Other signs of this severe reaction include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, hoarseness, tightness or a lump in the throat, diarrhea, severe stomach pain, tingling in the hands or feet, and mental confusion.
Caffeine Side Effects
An increased heart rate is a common side effect of ingesting caffeine. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that can lead to adverse reactions in some people. Caffeine is primarily found in medications, chocolate, tea, energy drinks and coffee. If you consistently develop heart palpitations after ingesting caffeine, stop consuming the drug and call your doctor. If palpitations occur in an isolated instance, you may have consumed too much caffeine for your body.
