Heart palpitations after eating can be caused when the heart begins to pump blood back to the stomach and other areas, to help the digestion process. This activity can sometimes be perceived by some as palpitations. Other reasons for palpitations after eating include fluctuations of blood glucose and its effect on the heart, overeating, and eating spicy foods. In addition, drinking caffeinated beverages such as iced tea and coffee with meals can cause palpitations after eating. When other symptoms accompany palpitations after eating such as chest pain, dizziness, sweating or shortness of breath, further evaluation is recommended.

In some people, eating frequent smaller meals throughout the day is preferable to eating three large meals. Not only does this routine keep blood sugar levels from spiking and falling, it alleviates post-meal cardiac workload. In addition, people who suffer from gastroesophagel reflux (GERD) sometimes experience palpitations after eating. Not only can this condition cause palpitations after eating, it can even mimic the symptoms of a heart attack, such as chest pain, burning, and pressure. Swallowing excessive amounts of air can cause pressure in the chest and resultant palpitations. This sensation can provoke anxiety, however, the condition is rarely serious.

Occasionally, women who are approaching menopause will experience palpitations after eating. This is typically related to elevations and decreases in progesterone and estrogen, which is common during the menopausal years. Certain foods such as soybeans and tofu can affect hormonal levels and promote subsequent palpitations. In addition, drinking hot or cold beverages can cause the heart to beat quickly when consumed too fast.

In most cases palpitations after eating is a harmless phenomenon. If, however, symptoms persist or worsen, the physician might want to further evaluate the symptoms to determine if they are caused by a cardiac abnormality. Diagnostic tests for heart palpitations include an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart. Sound waves are used in the echocardiogram to capture images of the heart and related structures in real time. This imaging method can diagnosis a mitral valve prolapse, where the mitral valve does not open and close properly, sometimes causing palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

The electrocardiogram can also rule out causes of an abnormal heart rhythm by measuring heart rate and regularity. Although this test only reveals cardiac data while the heart is at rest, it is still a valuable tool when evaluating heart disturbances. In cases where palpitations become disruptive or disturbing, the physician can prescribe beta blockers, medications that slow the heart rate and help it to beat more regularly, thereby relieving palpitations.