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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Why Does The Heart Beat Faster After A Heavy Meal ?

why does the heart beat faster after a heavy meal ??? why does the heart beat faster after a heavy meal ???
Tue, 15 Dec 2009
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The brain's task is to match blood-flow "demand" and 'supply". Demand varies all day. After meals the digestive system requires more blood to flow , -i.e., "demand" increases and the brain does three things : (1) it increases the amount of blood ejected by each stroke of the heartbeat (2) it increases the number of heart beats per minute, and (3) it dilates the blood vessels (particularly those associated with digestion) to help flow, - that is, blood is diverted from other organs to the digestive organs. So, .... you get a stronger pulse, a faster pulse, and most people would feel sleepy after a heavy meal, because some of the cardiac output is diverted FROM other organs (including the brain) TO the digestive tract. It, (blood) flows better through the dilated blood vessels (arteries, arterioles, and capillaries) of the stomach etc.
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Why Does The Heart Beat Faster After A Heavy Meal ?

The brain s task is to match blood-flow demand and supply . Demand varies all day. After meals the digestive system requires more blood to flow , -i.e., demand increases and the brain does three things : (1) it increases the amount of blood ejected by each stroke of the heartbeat (2) it increases the number of heart beats per minute, and (3) it dilates the blood vessels (particularly those associated with digestion) to help flow, - that is, blood is diverted from other organs to the digestive organs. So, .... you get a stronger pulse, a faster pulse, and most people would feel sleepy after a heavy meal, because some of the cardiac output is diverted FROM other organs (including the brain) TO the digestive tract. It, (blood) flows better through the dilated blood vessels (arteries, arterioles, and capillaries) of the stomach etc.