I’ve been having palpitations for a long time. The thing that causes my palpitations is mostly stressful situation but I’ve noticed recently that is bending over too. What I should do about this? Did anyone experience same thing?
I began noticing my abnormal heart rhythm while I was lying quietly in bed at night. I was on a lot of stress so I asked for help. I’ve been told that stressful situations cause an increase in the level of stress hormones, such as adrenaline, circulating in the blood, and there are some types of palpitations that can be stimulated by adrenaline excess, or by exercise. Some types of palpitations seem to be affected by posture that is when you notice that standing up straight after bending over provokes a rapid heart rate.
From the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics:
"When bending over, there is increased intra-abdominal pressure and this is transmitted up the esophagus (or a hiatal hernia) which lies directly against the back of the left atrium. This is the most common cause of non-cardiac palpitations.
Esophageal mobility disorders
Persons with esophageal motility disorders will also have a frequent palpitations and the will be no cardiac rhythm abnormality present. The brain doesn’t have the ability to differentiate cardiac palpitations from the stomach, esophagus, or sometimes even the chest wall muscles. These in and of themselves are normal and natural and don't require any specific treatment in the vast majority of cases."
Apparently it is normal :-) but if you're worried or you suspect there might be something wrong, talk to your doctor!!
Here's the link: https://uihc.org/health-topics/heart-palpitations-frequently-asked-questions :-)
My cardiologist has never linked the two.
But bending over triggers them.
It's interesting that you've noticed a connection between bending over and experiencing palpitations and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) episodes. While I can't offer a definitive explanation for your symptoms, I can provide some insights.
The vagus nerve, which is responsible for regulating various bodily functions, including heart rate and digestion, runs alongside the esophagus. In some cases, stimulation of the vagus nerve can lead to changes in heart rate or rhythm. Bending over can potentially put pressure on the stomach and diaphragm, which can then affect the esophagus and potentially stimulate the vagus nerve.
Hiatal hernias, which occur when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity, can also contribute to symptoms such as heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While the connection between hiatal hernias and cardiac arrhythmias is not well-established, it's possible that the anatomical changes caused by a hiatal hernia, such as increased pressure on the stomach and esophagus, may trigger or exacerbate symptoms in some individuals.
It's essential to discuss your symptoms and observations with your cardiologist and gastroenterologist. They can evaluate your specific situation, take into account your medical history, and provide you with a more accurate assessment. They may recommend further tests or refer you to other specialists if necessary.
Hope you will resolve your issue.