How to Treat Tachycardia After Meals

Tachycardia is defined as a heart rate higher than 100 beats per minute (BPM). While experiencing tachycardia after eating is quite rare, it can happen to some people and can be very scary for them. It is common for the heart rate to increase following a meal, as your body causes your heart rate to increase to aid in the digestion of the meal. However, it is not common for the heart to race dramatically after eating.

Things You'll Need

• Green tea
• Water

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Instructions

• 1

  Visit your family physician. Tachycardia after meals could be linked to some other problem in your body. It can be linked to an endocrine or digestive problem or be a side effect from an antibiotic or other medication you may be taking. Any abnormal heart beats or rhythms should be checked out by your doctor or, if necessary, in the emergency room.

• 2

  Sip some water or green tea. If the tachycardia is linked to a digestive problem, some lubrication can sometimes help the food to digest faster, therefore slowing the heart rate.

• 3

  Take an antacid if you are experiencing heartburn or acid reflux, as long as the antacid does not conflict with any other medications you are currently taking. If you are not sure, consult with your doctor before taking any new medications.

• 4

  Relax and breathe slowly. Lay down in a comfortable position and try to take some slow, deep breaths. Sometimes tachycardia can be caused by anxiety or stress, so calming your body down can alleviate the rapid heart beat. It is recommended to lay on your left side to help aid in digestion; however, if you are prone to heart problems, it is recommended to lie on your back or right side to avoid putting extra pressure on the heart.

• 5

  Keep a log of when the tachycardia strikes and how long it lasts. Also document the types of foods you were eating and the amount of food you ate prior to the onset of the tachycardia. This will help your doctor greatly in diagnosing your problem and helping find a solution.