What should you know about erythritol heart palpitations?

Palpitations can feel like racing, pounding, fluttering or skipped beats. A symptom noticed after erythritol may reflect the food or drink, another ingredient such as caffeine, the body’s response to digestion, or coincidence. The timing alone cannot show that erythritol caused an abnormal rhythm.

Other explanations include stress, [Dehydration](/conditions/dehydration/), low blood sugar, thyroid overactivity, [Anaemia](/conditions/anaemia/) or an electrical rhythm problem such as [Atrial Fibrillation](/conditions/atrial-fibrillation/). A clinician may ask about duration, pulse pattern, medicines, supplements and previous heart symptoms.

Stop the suspected product for now and write down the brand, ingredients, amount, timing, symptoms and activity around the episode. Avoid adding caffeine or stimulant supplements while you are trying to identify a pattern. Drink normally unless a clinician has given you fluid restrictions.

Arrange medical advice if palpitations repeat, last longer than usual, interrupt sleep or exercise, or began after a new medicine. Do not restart a product to test it without advice. Assessment may include a pulse check, an electrocardiogram and blood tests chosen for your symptoms.

Call emergency services for palpitations with chest pressure, severe breathlessness, fainting, collapse, new confusion or weakness on one side. Seek urgent assessment for a very fast or irregular heartbeat that does not settle, especially if you have known heart disease.

Prompt review is sensible when episodes occur with swelling, unusual tiredness or breathlessness, which can point to problems such as [Heart Failure](/conditions/heart-failure/). Do not drive yourself if you feel faint.

Ask whether the pattern sounds like an abnormal rhythm, whether an ECG or monitor is needed, and which medicines or supplements might contribute. Discuss hydration, thyroid symptoms, low blood sugar, anaemia and whether you should avoid erythritol or another ingredient.