Rapid heartbeat, anxiety: 4 things to avoid

A rapid heartbeat can last from just a few seconds to a few minutes. In most cases, these symptoms are harmless. But in some people, it's a warning sign of a serious heart problem.

Many factors can lead to an abnormally fast heartbeat, from underlying medical conditions, stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, and even diet. What we eat greatly affects our heart rate, according to the health website Medical News Today (UK).

A rapid heartbeat accompanied by chest pain and shortness of breath requires immediate medical attention as it could be a sign of a heart attack.

If you experience an unusually fast heartbeat, causing feelings of anxiety, you should avoid eating or drinking the following:

Alcohol

Alcohol is a stimulant. When it enters the body, it activates the sympathetic nervous system. This results in an increased heart rate and feelings of anxiety. Furthermore, alcohol has a diuretic effect, meaning it removes water from the body. Without sufficient water intake, the body can easily become dehydrated.

Dehydration reduces blood volume and circulation. To ensure blood is pumped to the body's organs, the heart has to work harder, leading to an increased heart rate.

A fast heartbeat requires limiting caffeine intake.

Caffeine is another stimulant. It's important to note that caffeine isn't only found in coffee and tea, but also in energy drinks, soda, and chocolate. Those who frequently experience rapid heartbeats should limit their intake of caffeine-rich foods and drinks.

Processed foods

Processed foods such as potato chips, candy, packaged baked goods, and cold cuts often contain high amounts of salt and unhealthy fats. These ingredients not only increase heart rate but also harm cardiovascular health.

Numerous studies have shown that eating a lot of processed foods also increases blood cholesterol levels, makes it difficult to control blood pressure, and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Spicy dishes

Spicy dishes containing chili peppers are considered beneficial for health. This is because chili peppers contain very beneficial antioxidants such as capsaicin, vitamin C, carotenoids, and flavonoids. These antioxidants help support immunity, digestion, and prevent cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

However, people who are prone to rapid heartbeats should be careful when eating spicy food. Eating excessively spicy food can trigger many physiological reactions in the body, leading to an increased heart rate and palpitations.

Experts note that if a rapid heartbeat occurs frequently, becomes increasingly severe, persists, or is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting, it is necessary to see a doctor as soon as possible, according to Medical News Today .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tim-dap-nhanh-hoi-hop-4-mon-an-can-tranh-185250106164239402.htm