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Suggest Remedy For Acid Reflux And Irregular Heartbeats

Posted on Mon, 23 Mar 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:
Acid reflux in vicious circle with palpitations...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXX!
Once again I read your query and understood your concerns.

Your symptoms are suggestive for acid reflux. Actually, there is a vicious circle:
Acid reflux is characterized by hyperacidity which is caused or aggravated from anxiety; hyperacidity will trigger/aggravate palpitations. On the other hand, palpitations will increase anxiety, which aggravate hyperacidty. .

And this will be continuously repetitive.

If you try to control anxiety, your hyperacidity will be improved thus improving acid reflux. Consequently, you will have less heart palpitations.

Next, foods you eat can also improve acid reflux:
- eat often and small portions
- chew up slowly
- avoid laying down immediately after eating
- avoid coffee/chocolate/spicy/chilly foods that would aggravate acid reflux
- take PPIs and antacids to improve hyperacidity

Hope it was of help!
Dr.Benard

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

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (57 minutes later)

Hi Doctor Thank you for your detailed answer. This feeling makes me very uneasy. On days like this I feel more Pacs or pvcs. I noticed I went to put my kids in the car and my stomach was bloated. After lifting my kids I felt a few pacs or pvcs and my heart was racing. I got worried because usually I feel them at rest but today I felt it on exertion from lifting my kids and the acid. Is this normal or dangerous? Last month I had a stress test and had no etopic beats

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You shouldn't worry about these symptoms...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

As you mentioned your symptoms are more frequent with stomach acidity and stress. This is why it's important to follow my advice in order to improve stomach acidity.

You shouldn't worry about these symptoms apart from discomfort and increased anxiety it wouldn't cause any serious trouble to your health.

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