Heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest, occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. A racing heart, palpitations, describes a fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat. Many wonder if these distinct yet sometimes co-occurring symptoms are connected. This article explores the potential relationship between heartburn and heart rate.
The Heartburn-Heart Rate Connection
Heartburn (acid reflux) can influence heart rate due to the close anatomical relationship between the esophagus and the heart. The esophagus, located directly behind the heart, carries food to the stomach. Irritation or inflammation from stomach acid can stimulate the vagus nerve, which acts as a communication pathway between the brain, heart, and digestive system, regulating heart rate and digestion. When acid reflux irritates the vagus nerve, it can trigger a reflex response leading to changes in heart rhythm, including a racing heart or skipped beats. The body can misinterpret pain signals, a phenomenon known as referred pain, causing esophageal discomfort to manifest as chest pain.
Understanding Symptom Overlap
Heartburn and heart attack symptoms can be strikingly similar, leading to confusion. Both can cause chest pain or discomfort, often in the central chest, making differentiation challenging without medical evaluation. Anxiety, a common response to severe chest discomfort, can further complicate the situation by independently elevating heart rate and causing palpitations. This overlap means severe heartburn can cause a racing heart due to anxiety, even if the heart is not directly affected by reflux. Given these similarities, self-diagnosis is not recommended; seek medical attention if uncertain.
Other Causes of Palpitations
Many factors unrelated to heartburn can cause a racing heart or palpitations. Stress and anxiety are frequent culprits, as emotional states directly influence heart rate. Certain substances like caffeine, found in coffee and energy drinks, can stimulate the heart and lead to a faster beat. Dehydration can also cause the heart to work harder, resulting in palpitations.
Various medications, including some asthma drugs, antibiotics, cold and cough remedies, and certain antidepressants, can have side effects that include changes in heart rate or rhythm. Thyroid issues, particularly an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), can significantly speed up the heart rate and cause irregular rhythms. Other benign arrhythmias, which are usually harmless variations in the heart’s electrical activity, can also manifest as palpitations.
Recognizing Serious Symptoms
While often benign, a racing heart accompanied by chest discomfort can signal a serious underlying condition requiring immediate medical attention. Specific symptoms warrant emergency evaluation. These include severe crushing chest pain (pressure, squeezing, or fullness), especially if it lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and returns. Pain spreading to one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach is also a serious sign.
Shortness of breath, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, or cold sweat alongside palpitations or chest pain necessitate calling emergency services. If unsure, seek medical help promptly, as timely action can be lifesaving.
Relieving Heartburn Discomfort
Managing heartburn symptoms involves lifestyle adjustments and over-the-counter remedies. Avoiding trigger foods, which often include spicy, fatty, or acidic items, can help reduce acid reflux episodes. Eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large ones and not lying down immediately after eating can prevent acid from flowing back into the esophagus. Elevating the head of the bed by six to eight inches can be beneficial for those who experience nighttime heartburn.
Over-the-counter antacids can neutralize stomach acid for quick relief, while H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can reduce acid production for longer-lasting effects. These strategies aim to alleviate heartburn, which may indirectly help reduce any associated heart rate changes if the reflux is the cause.