Berberine and heart palpitations: what to know

Palpitations can feel like fluttering, pounding, skipped beats, or a heartbeat that suddenly becomes noticeable. Berberine can affect glucose handling and may interact with prescribed medicines or supplements. Low blood sugar can cause a racing or forceful heartbeat, sweating, shakiness, dizziness, or confusion. Palpitations also have other possible causes, including dehydration, stress, an overactive thyroid, anaemia, or an abnormal rhythm such as atrial fibrillation. The sensation alone cannot identify the cause.

Do not take another berberine dose until you have checked with a clinician or pharmacist, particularly if symptoms began after starting it or after changing the amount. Do not stop a prescribed heart or diabetes medicine without advice. Note the timing, duration, pulse pattern, other supplements, meals, exercise, and any glucose readings. Rest, drink fluids if you may be dehydrated, and arrange a medication review. A clinician may check your pulse, blood pressure, blood glucose, thyroid function, blood count, and heart rhythm.

Seek emergency help for palpitations with chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, new weakness, confusion, or a heartbeat that remains very fast or irregular. Get prompt medical assessment if episodes keep returning, last longer, occur during exertion, or come with swelling or unusual tiredness. This is especially important if you have known heart disease or take medicines that affect blood sugar or rhythm.

Could berberine interact with any of my medicines or supplements? Should I check my blood sugar during an episode? Do I need an electrocardiogram or blood tests? What symptoms mean I should seek emergency help?