Acid Reflux : Can It Cause Palpitations?

Although acid reflux does not cause palpitations directly, associated chest pain may cause the patient to feel very anxious, and this may cause palpitations. Acid reflux can also cause chest pain because the acid irritates the oesophagus and this can lead to abnormal muscle contractions. This chest pain may feel very similar to the pain experienced in angina or coronary heart disease. This may lead to anxiety and palpitations.

In patients who may be at risk for cardiac disease, it is very important to rule out angina before assuming that acid reflux is responsible for the palpitations. Even pain that feels like typical heartburn may be a sign of cardiac disease in such patients, so a careful history and medical evaluation is required.

In the chest cavity, the nerves are closely connected with the heart, the oesophagus and the diaphragm. This often leads to ‘linked angina’ or a cardiac disease induced by the GERD. A study showed that roughly 1 to 2 percent of GERD sufferers are diagnosed with a case of linked angina. However, palpitations caused by GERD may also be totally unrelated to angina and may originate from the physical stress due to GERD.

When it comes to the treatment of palpitations and heartburn, the main aim is to attack the heartburn itself because then the palpitations that have developed due to heartburn will be treatd as well. Try cutting back on caffeine to see if it is causing the problem. Smoking is a cause of palpitations, and so is alcohol. Some over-the-counter decongestant and cough medications also cause palpitations. Eat at regular intervals (low blood sugar can cause palpitations) and drink plenty of water (fluids). Try to get enough sleep. Stress relief through yoga, biofeedback, tai-chi, guided imagery, or meditation will also help calm your frayed nerves and reduce acid reflux as well as palpitations.

Prescription medication can be used for a short period of time and can be successful at relieving heartburn. There are also many natural remedies for heartburn that can be used such as probiotics, herbs like ginger, aloe vera, etc. Certain foods that trigger heartburn, especially, a lot of hot and spicy foods, fatty, deep fried foods should also be avoided and dairy and alcohol consumption should be limited. Losing weight if you are overweight is also helpful. Using a wedge pillow or raising the head of the bed by 6 to 9 inches or simple things such as avoiding wearing tight clothes and tight belts help treat acid reflux. Make sure your blood pressure and cholesterol are well controlled to avoid future heart problems. To help your doctor diagnose your condition, keep track of your heart palpitations. Note when they happen, how long they last, and if they are associated with any activity or food.