What Is the Connection between Gas and Palpitations?

According to most researchers, there is no known physical connection between gas and palpitations. There are cases where intestinal gas pains have been known to hurt so badly they lead to chest pains in some individuals. In other cases, gas and palpitations may occur simultaneously, but they are not related to one another. Other times, a third factor may cause both symptoms for various reasons. Other researchers claim that the two may be connected in certain health conditions, but this is not common.

Heart palpitations are usually described as a fluttering feeling caused by the heart suddenly beating more rapidly than usual. This typically lasts for a few seconds to a few minutes, and it is related to a host of health conditions and stimulants. Gas usually refers to trapped intestinal gas. It is caused by swallowing too much air or by eating foods which are hard to digest. In most cases, gas and palpitations are not related, although they can occur simultaneously.

There are certain situations in which gas and palpitations are more likely to occur together. For instance, carbonated drinks have been known to cause intestinal gas, while stimulants can lead to palpitations. At other times, the two probably occur together out of chance or bad luck.

Some research shows that gas and palpitations may both be related to certain health conditions. These can include chronic fatigue syndrome and hookworm infection. These conditions are more likely to cause digestive disturbances than heart issues.

In other cases, gas pains may become so severe that they lead to chest pains. This usually happens when gas is produced more quickly than it can be expelled. It becomes trapped in the stomach and rises upward, causing pressure in the chest cavity. There is typically no way to know for sure when chest pains are being caused by intestinal gas, since the discomfort can sometimes be quite severe.

Another instance where gas and palpitations might be related is during pregnancy. Intestinal gas and heart-related symptoms are both common in pregnant women. In fact, some women may experience symptoms so severe they believe they're having a heart attack. This is mostly due to hormones causing changes within the body. These problems usually disappear once the baby is delivered.

Since there is no way for most people to know whether chest discomfort is caused by gas or something else, it is important that a doctor be consulted. Although most chest pain is not caused by a heart attack, it is still a possibility, especially for those over the age of 35.