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What Causes Irregular Heartbeat After Vomiting?

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Posted on Sat, 1 Oct 2016
Question: Irregular heartbeat after vomiting.Had had a chest infection @hadnt eaten for almost two weeks.but just getting back to normal when it happened@it really scared me.it lasted a couple of hours. What could it have been?
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Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (43 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome on HCM!

Regarding your concern, I would explain that your symptoms seem to be related to an electrolyte imbalance, causing cardiac arrhythmia.

You should know that vomiting can cause certain electrolyte imbalance (due to the loss) of potassium and sodium.

These electrolytes are important for a normal function of our body, especially for the heart, which is very sensitive to these changes in their plasma levels.

As you refer, the fact that you had not been well nutrited is another factor contributing in possible electrolyte imbalance.

From the other side, the physical stress (during vomiting) has activated the sympathetic nervous system, triggering this clinical situation.

If the problem repeats, I would recommend going to the ER for a physical exam, a resting ECG and some blood lab tests (blood electrolytes, complete blood count).

When you have persistent vomiting, there is difficulty in taking fluids and electrolytes from the mouth. Intravenous fluids may be necessary in such case.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Kind regards,

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

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

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9536 Questions

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What Causes Irregular Heartbeat After Vomiting?

Brief Answer: I would explain as follows: Detailed Answer: Hello! Welcome on HCM! Regarding your concern, I would explain that your symptoms seem to be related to an electrolyte imbalance, causing cardiac arrhythmia. You should know that vomiting can cause certain electrolyte imbalance (due to the loss) of potassium and sodium. These electrolytes are important for a normal function of our body, especially for the heart, which is very sensitive to these changes in their plasma levels. As you refer, the fact that you had not been well nutrited is another factor contributing in possible electrolyte imbalance. From the other side, the physical stress (during vomiting) has activated the sympathetic nervous system, triggering this clinical situation. If the problem repeats, I would recommend going to the ER for a physical exam, a resting ECG and some blood lab tests (blood electrolytes, complete blood count). When you have persistent vomiting, there is difficulty in taking fluids and electrolytes from the mouth. Intravenous fluids may be necessary in such case. Hope you will find this answer helpful! Kind regards, Dr. Iliri