Heart palpitations while following a keto diet

Reducing carbohydrates can alter how the body stores and loses water. If food or fluid intake falls, dehydration, low blood sugar or an electrolyte disturbance may make the heartbeat feel prominent. Vomiting, diarrhoea, heavy exercise and medicines that affect fluid balance can add to the problem.

The diet may be coincidental rather than causal. Palpitations can also accompany stress, illness, nicotine or caffeine. A clinician may review your diet, medicines and medical history, check an ECG and consider tests for Hypoglycaemia, Anaemia or thyroid disease. Atrial Fibrillation remains a possible rhythm problem and cannot be identified from the sensation alone.

Pause strenuous exercise and sit safely when symptoms start. Drink fluids according to your clinician’s advice and avoid aggressively changing salt or electrolyte intake without guidance, particularly if you have kidney, heart or blood-pressure problems. Do not stop prescribed medicines on your own. Keep a food, fluid and symptom diary and arrange a review if episodes repeat.

Seek emergency help for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, collapse, confusion or severe weakness. Obtain prompt assessment for persistent vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, a sustained irregular heartbeat or palpitations with dizziness. New swelling or breathlessness may require evaluation for Heart Failure.

Ask whether your diet, fluid intake or medicines need adjustment, whether electrolytes and blood sugar should be checked, and what eating plan is safe for your health conditions.