Experiencing Unusual Heart Palpitations and Reflux?
Age: 30 / Gender: Female / Height: 5'0 / Regular Exercise: Yes / Diet: Healthy / Smoking: No / Alcohol: Minimal Hello everyone, I would greatly value your insights on something that's been troubling me. For approximately a month, I have been experiencing intense heart palpitations alongside acid reflux, which started around the same time. Initially, I attributed it to severe anxiety attacks, but as the episodes became more frequent—even occurring on my days off without any significant stressor—and began to impact my digestive system, I started to reconsider. Currently, my diet has been significantly restricted, primarily consisting of oatmeal, quinoa, and protein shakes, as nearly every food seems to trigger discomfort. The reflux produces a painful sensation (located just below my ribs in the upper abdomen) that has become increasingly distressing. I have been prescribed trazodone for insomnia and mental health concerns, and recently started taking Tecta to address my acid reflux. Unfortunately, neither of these interventions have offered any relief. My blood tests, conducted two months back, returned normal results, yet my doctor remains convinced that it’s merely acid reflux. The rapid onset of symptoms has persisted without any sign of improvement, even with medication adjustments like antacids and increased Tecta dosage. The palpitations have escalated to the point where I experience shaking and nausea. This sensation is unlike any anxiety I’ve encountered before, leading me to believe it might be something more complex. I also considered that low electrolyte levels or iron deficiencies could be contributing factors. My previous blood test indicated marginally low levels, and it’s plausible that they are even lower now. After discussing my symptoms, my psychiatrist suggested increasing my trazodone dosage, which I have done, while my general practitioner also recommended upping my Tecta dose. However, I’ve yet to experience any improvement. Often, I find myself simply resting in bed watching a movie when sudden fluttering and palpitations abruptly arise. Additionally, I recently incorporated an align prebiotic with cranberry extract into my routine on my GP’s advice for digestive support. This change is the only new factor I’ve introduced (if it’s relevant). Thank you for any advice or insights you might provide!
Answers (1)
3/30/2025, 5:20:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
Experiencing heart palpitations alongside acid reflux can be concerning, especially when these symptoms are unresponsive to treatment. It sounds like you are dealing with a combination of physical discomforts and psychological stressors, which complicates the situation. Let's break down the key points and outline some next steps you can take.
Key Points
- You have persistent heart palpitations and acid reflux that have worsened over the past month.
- Your diet is currently restricted due to food sensitivities, compounding your digestive issues.
- There’s a potential connection between your symptoms and previous health concerns, such as low electrolyte levels or iron deficiencies.
Explanation
Heart palpitations can arise from many factors, including anxiety, electrolyte imbalances, medication side effects, or underlying gastrointestinal issues. Since your symptoms have intensified despite medication adjustments, it’s essential to look deeper into potential causes.
Your current medications, trazodone and Tecta, can affect gastrointestinal function and potentially lead to side effects like palpitations. It's also worth considering that acid reflux can lead to discomfort that may feel like palpitations, particularly if it affects the diaphragm or causes vagal responses (nervous system responses that can create sensations of fluttering).
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting the frequency and intensity of the palpitations and reflux episodes, along with any food or activities that precede them.
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Evaluate Hydration and Nutrition:
- Focus on maintaining adequate hydration. If you suspect electrolyte imbalances, try integrating foods high in potassium (e.g., bananas, leafy greens) and magnesium (e.g., nuts, seeds), unless these foods trigger your reflux.
- Consider discussing a more varied diet plan with a healthcare provider or nutritionist, as restricting food can impact overall health and nutrient levels.
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Medication Review:
- Discuss the side effects of trazodone and Tecta with your doctor, especially since you've noted the lack of improvement. They may suggest alternative medications or treatments for both your anxiety and acid reflux.
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Stress and Anxiety Management:
- Implement stress reduction techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or gentle yoga, which may help in alleviating anxiety-related symptoms.
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Follow-Up on Blood Work:
- Since you mentioned past low electrolyte levels or iron deficiencies, consider asking your doctor about updating your blood tests to evaluate your current status, including electrolytes and iron levels.
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Reassess Gastrointestinal Health:
- If symptoms persist or worsen, request further gastrointestinal evaluation to rule out conditions beyond typical acid reflux that may require different treatments.
By prioritizing these steps, you can gain better control over your symptoms. Remember, you know your body best, and advocating for your health concerns is crucial. If any severe symptoms arise or you feel increasingly unwell, don’t hesitate to seek immediate medical attention.
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