Why does my heart feel uncomfortable when I'm hungry?
Mar 28, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Hunger-related cardiac discomfort may be caused by factors such as sympathetic nervous system activation, anemia, or hypoglycemia. Prolonged hunger can easily lead to sympathetic nervous system excitation. Anemia results from a deficiency of sufficient red blood cells in the peripheral blood, while hypoglycemia refers to plasma glucose levels falling below normal values. It cannot be ruled out that such symptoms might also be caused by conditions like arrhythmia.
Hunger-related heart discomfort may be caused by sympathetic nervous system activation, anemia, hypoglycemia, or other reasons. Specific details are as follows:
1. Sympathetic Nervous System Activation
Remaining in a prolonged state of hunger can easily lead to overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, tachycardia, and premature beats. These discomforts usually gradually subside after eating.
2. Anemia
Anemia occurs due to insufficient red blood cells in the peripheral blood, manifesting as dizziness, easy fatigue, weakness, palpitations, and shortness of breath. The condition can be improved under medical guidance by taking medications such as folic acid tablets, vitamin B12 tablets, or ferrous succinate oral solution, which help increase blood levels.
3. Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia mainly results from plasma glucose levels falling below the normal range, presenting symptoms such as hunger, excessive sweating, palpitations, and altered mental status. It is recommended to seek treatment at a qualified medical institution, where healthcare professionals may administer intravenous glucose therapy.
Besides the above causes, arrhythmia or other underlying diseases cannot be ruled out. Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention when experiencing discomfort to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
