vitamin B12 deficiency?
Hi,
I’ve been experiencing heart palpitations. Along with many other conditions that could cause this, a vitamin B12 deficiency seems to be the most likely cause. I’m a vegetarian, so this makes it even more likely. The only thing I’m not sure about if this deficiency hits you out of no where. About a month ago I was feeling a little light headed and I just assumed it was because I was tired from being up a long time. I took a shower, and as soon as I got out my heart started racing, and beating really hard. This lasted for about 45 minutes. After that its on and off since then. I also had a really bad headache for about a week afterwards.
At first I thought it was from drinking too much caffeine. Since then I’ve cut my caffeine intake down to about two glasses a day, and I’m still experiencing them. So I’d count that one out.
Any help is appreciated,
thanks.
I’m not really sure if me heart is actually racing or not. I took my pulse several times when all this started and it was only in the 90s. It just seems like my pounds, without my pulse going up. I was using a blood pressure cuff, so it also told me that I had an irregular heartbeat.
The only reason I haven’t went to the doctor yet is because I don’t have insurance. Though I’d never put money before my health, I just wanted to make sure that it wasn’t something easily solved first.
I’m probably going to try taking multivitamins for a week or so to see if it helps. and if not, off to the doctor I go.
Thanks for all the help!
Could be one of many things. I would say from what you are describing, anemia is more likely the problem. Eating items with B-12 allows your body to store about a 3 month supply. Iron deficancy is a little more common. I would get checked though. Heart palpitations could be caused by something simple but then again, they could be caused by something very serious. May want to reevaluate your diet as a vegetarian and find other foods or supplements that can boost your vitamin intake
Are you possibly anemic?
That would explain the light headedness. The heart palpatations maybe caused by any caffiene from other sources, like cola, or too much sugar ( do you drink any energy any beverages?) Maybe it’s the B-12 deficiency.
Go to the Dr. I wouldn’t mess with my heart!
Don’t wait too long before seeing a Dr.
First, I’ll tell you — any time that you’re experiencing an abnormal or rapid heart rate, you shouldn’t be putting a post on a self-help board — you should be seeing a doctor.
Secondly, vitamin B-12 is often stored in the liver (even though it’s water soluble). It’s EXTREMELY uncommon to develop a deficiency because it’s not JUST in meat products, and your body needs such an unbelievably small amount to function.
If you’re concerned that it may be a b-12 deficiency, pop a lozenge, it’s best absorbed sub-lingually (under the tongue).
I’m a vegeterian, too — so, I’m surely not going to be pushing liver or chicken on you.
A rapid heart rate is called tachycardia (tacky-car-dee-uh). There are a number of reasons for this. It could be related to: Caffeine, medications, stimulants, supplements, vitamins, anxiety, lack of sleep . . . but, it could also be something more serious — it could be a malfunction in the part of the heart where the electrical currents originate. The heat from the shower, even could cause it.
If it’s reoccurring (meaning that you can do things, and it comes back) then it’s probably the latter . . . otherwise, it’d be constant — exacerbations including heat, stimulants, excess sodium, and exercise can cause the heart rate to SHOOT up, and stay up for a while. You may end up with headaches.
If I were you (as a matter of fact, I was, and I did) I’d go see a doctor at the ER. They’ll do an EKG (they’ll glue little things to your chest and legs to record your heart) and it’ll tell them what’s going on.
I have tachycardia (and an arrhythmia called a PVC) I take a medication called metoprolol. Where my heart-rate was once 190 with 10-20 irregular beats in any given minute, now, it’s usually about 80, with maybe one irregular beat a minute.
See a doctor.