2 ms·
Just a random "vagus nerve story". A while back, I started having weird heart flutters that turned out to be extra heartbeats (doctors call them PVCs and PACs).
by poszlem 2y ago
Just a random "vagus nerve story". A while back, I started having weird heart flutters that turned out to be extra heartbeats (doctors call them PVCs and PACs). Sometimes I'd be fine for days or even weeks, but then they'd come back pretty bad. After a bit, I noticed these flutters were linked to what I ate, which seemed really strange. I couldn't figure out how my food could make my heart skip beats.
I saw a bunch of heart doctors for almost a year before I found one who knew what was up. He told me I had something called "gastrocardiac syndrome." Apparently, not many heart doctors know about it. It's basically when acid reflux in your stomach messes with the vagus nerve. The doctor gave me some medicine to stop the acid (PPIs), and just like that, my weird heartbeats went away completely.
- BaculumMeumEst 2y agoThis has to be super common. My wife and I both are acutely aware of acid reflux causing flutters and other weirdness. During her pregnancy it got worse, and after a full cardiac workup her doctor's best guess was interaction w/ the vagus nerve.
- simple10 2y agoI've also had a couple brushes with vagus nerve stimulation. While in a specialized chiropractor's office undergoing traction to correct an old neck injury, I passed out. Apparently this is quite common, especially when blood sugar is low. The vagus nerve does all sorts of weird stuff, including acting like an off switch.