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Does Acid Reflux Cause Increased Heart Rate?

Posted on Sat, 4 Apr 2015

Question: I had several cardiac tests done twice over the past 6 months. The most recent tests were done last month. I did a stress test, echo, ECG, 2 holter monitors etc... The results of the stress test and echo came back normal showing a structurally normal heart. My holter showed 200 PACS and 15 single unifocal PVCS. I have a resting heart rate which goes around 54 which worries me but my cardiologist says it is normal and my heart is healthy. Also during sleep my heart rate went down to 41. I get worried because when I wake up in the morning I get a lot of what I think are PACS. for example this morning I could feel a lot of them and my heart starts racing. I have also noticed another thing.

I have a lot of acid reflux and when I feel this my heartbeat is also irregular. I will feel some faster beats and some slower beats but still in sinus rythm. Is this normal? Can heart rate be affected by acid reflux. I will feel my heart rate alternate a little fast and a little slow sometimes I will have 10 faster beats and then 1 or 2 slower beats and then faster again. I don't understand this. Is this normal function of the heart?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Controlling acidity may improve your symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concerns.

I am happy to hear that your cardiac tests resulted normal. As long as tests resulted ok, there is nothing to worry about.

It is normal to have increased heart rates and palpitations (PAC and PVC) early in the morning due to secretion of morning hormones (e.g. adrenalin) which are necessary for the upcoming day.

On the other hand, there is also an increased stomach acidity in the early hours of the morning. Stomach acidity and stomach reflux may trigger palpitations due to the affinity between the two organs (stomach and heart).

That is nothing worrisome. If you try to control acidity through diet, lifestyle changes and medications, your symptoms will be improved too.

All the best!
Dr.Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (23 hours later)

Hi Doctor my cardiologist said that because he thinks my heart is so healthy I don't even need to repeat tests in the future because he feels there is nothing wrong with my heart. He said I only need to see him if anything changes which he does not anticipate happening. I guess this is a good thing but it also scared me because I still feel some symptoms. Can an irregular heart beat be normal? I mean I have some days where I feel it more than others but nothing that is very noticeable. Most of the time I only notice it if I'm checking pulse. He says as long as it's in sinus rythm that is normal. Is this correct? I freak out when my heart rate varies so much. He says my vagus nerve can be acting up. What I don't understand is, is it dangerous when the vagus nerve causes your heart to have slower beats?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Following answer to your queries...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

If you were my patient I would suggest to repeat test once in a year, because this will help you to be relaxed and will reassure you that everything is ok. Since this is a medical opinion you should discuss this with your treating doctor.

An irregular heart beats is normal, as long as your basic rhythm is sinusal and you have only PACs and PVCs. You shouldn't worry about that, apart from discomfort it wouldn't cause any harm to you.

Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (29 hours later)

Doctor Thank you so much for your response. Your answers always seem to calm my mind. I guess I worry because sometimes I will stand up and I get the slow strong heart beats and my holter picked up some bradycardia but my cardiologist says it's all normal. No heart block and no sick sinus syndrome. It puzzles me because I don't know what is causing my heart to beat slow. Could it just be a healthy heart? I do have a lot of acid reflux. Can this be affecting my vagus nerve which is slowing down my heart?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following answer to your query...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

It's a normal healthy heart as long as cardiac examinations are normal. Your problems are within accepted parameters and you shouldn't worry about anything.

Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar