Date:   4/2/2008 2:41:42 AM ( 16 y ago)
Hits:   43,141
URL:   https://www.curezone.org/forums/fm.asp?i=1145790

Looking for links between heart palpitations, certain foods, and/or hormones....
I am a 32 year old healthy female....

I had been on the birth control pill for 12 years (and am off them now completely), then my doctor chenged the pills twice in 6 months. (That pill suddenly began causing umpleasant symptoms... due to hormonal changes???) Within less than a week on the 2nd pill, I developed severe headaches and extreme breast swelling and tenderness. I stopped taking the pill with the doctor's advice and within 3 days, I developed heart palpitations. The first experience was after eating some fried food and having a coca cola. (Yes I know not a gret meal!) My heart rate jumped to the 120's and lasted an hour or so. The next morning, after eating a breakfast bar, it happened again. On and off my heart will start racing... most often after eating food. Carbs seem to push me up around 120 BPM as does red wine.
I woke up one morning and my heart rated was over 120 and took myself to the emergency room. I have had a series of tests done, including EKG, chest x-ray, and Echo cardiogram (and wore a heart monitor for 24 hrs) and all come back fine, in fact DR says my heart is in good condition.
Had a naturalpathic DR run a hormone test and found my DHEA is VERY high along with my dopamine and norepinephrine... while my seratonin levels are very low. Apparently, I have been told hormonal imbalances such as these COULD cause heart palpitations, especially because of the coincidence of having these palpitations start after the birth control incident. (I was told the birth control pill could've caused the imbalance in these hormones as well.)
I have very low energy levels since the onset and have so much trouble waking up in the morning. Many days I feel so groggy like I am still somewhat stuck in sleep. My irritability seems a bit more intense as well...
I have also been told that foods containing nitrates and caffeines can cause palpitations. Though I do question nitrate sensitivity being my problem since bacon (and some other meats) don't affect me poorly.... but somehow carbs do...?
I eliminated carbs, fried food, caffeine, and alcohol for a while and found things were better though there were still incidents of palpitations over 100. (mostly eating protein and veggies)
I have been told that it could also be anxiety related though I must admit, I am in a pretty calm state BEFORE most of these palpitations begin. After the onset of the palpitations I do suffer from anxiety, but who wouldn't when their heart is racing so often?
About a year ago I was diagnosed with GERD and a mild hiatal hernia. I only mention this because it seems some people feel there is a correlation between GERD and heart palpitations... and since often my palps act up after eating.

I am looking for anyone who may have some input on any of this... DR's seem unclear as to the cause, and therefore unclear of a treatment. Right now I am just living with it and using trial and error to see if there are common triggers...the problem seems to be better than it was, but still lingers....
Does anyone have similar problems? Someone please shed some light?
Thank you... I know this post was VERY long but I appreciate any feedback!
 

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