Connection between heart function & how much you eat?

Hello and thank you for reading.

I'm new to the forum. 10 years ago I was diagnosed with atrial fib, something which I now have pretty much under control. In the last 6 months however I've noticed something happening that seems to be tied in.

After a large meal, everything is fine and no problems, however around 24-36 hours later is when the problems seem to start. I feel like I have some form of heart function problem whereby I feel my heart skipping beats, and a sudden surge of adrenaline (my adrenal gland compensating?) and this causes huge anxiety because the rush runs through my stomach, back, shoulders, chest, and is sometimes very strong. It's also around the same time that I pass gas, and I feel as if my sphincter has loosened too. Is this the fight or flight effect, or just my body telling me I need to go to the toilet to empty my bowel as soon as possible?

The two are almost usually tied in, as in they occur together. I have o idea if they're linked and wondered if anybody else has had any experience of this? I know this may sound unlikely but it's something I can't not notice.

Any advice would be massively appreciated.

Monzerloy,

It feels to me like you are having some irrg heartbeats that you feel which is setting off a panic attack/anxiety attack and thus the adrenalin rush.

Nonessential systems (like digestion and immune system) shut down to allow more energy for emergency functions of your major organs.  I am sure you have heard of people in high anxiety having diarrhea...............I suspect this is the reason why but I am not a scientist.

To give you the long version,

The sudden flood of epinephrine, norepinephrine and dozens of other hormones causes changes in the body that include:

• heart rate and blood pressure increase
• pupils dilate to take in as much light as possible
• veins in skin constrict to send more blood to major muscle groups (responsible for the "chill" sometimes associated with fear -- less blood in the skin to keep it warm)
• blood-glucose level increases
• muscles tense up, energized by adrenaline and glucose (responsible for goose bumps -- when tiny muscles attached to each hair on surface of skin tense up, the hairs are forced upright, pulling skin with them)
• smooth muscle relaxes in order to allow more oxygen into the lungs
• nonessential systems (like digestion and immune system) shut down to allow more energy for emergency functions
• trouble focusing on small tasks (brain is directed to focus only on big picture in order to determine where threat is coming from)

­All of these physical responses are intended to help you survive a dangerous situation by preparing you to either run for your life or fight for your life (thus the term "fight or flight"). Fear -- and the fight-or-flight response in particular -- is an instinct that every person  possesses.

Remember, if you feel you need to be seen by your Dr. for a medical screening exam, please do so.

Sending you good vibes,

Kitt