Now Reading: Severe vomiting, diarrhoea can disrupt heart rhythm
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Severe vomiting, diarrhoea can disrupt heart rhythm
Mumbai cardiac surgeon Dr Bipeenchandra Bhamre warns that excessive vomiting and diarrhoea can cause electrolyte loss, interfering with the heart's electrical system and potentially triggering fast or irregular heartbeats. The heart depends…
The Story in Brief
Mumbai cardiac surgeon Dr Bipeenchandra Bhamre warns that excessive vomiting and diarrhoea can cause electrolyte loss, interfering with the heart's electrical system and potentially triggering fast or irregular heartbeats. The heart depends on potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium to regulate rhythm, and prolonged fluid loss may upset this balance.
Older adults, people with heart disease and those unable to replace fluids are at greater risk. Warning signs include palpitations, severe weakness, dizziness, fainting, chest pain or confusion. Early replacement of fluids and electrolytes is advised, but persistent symptoms require medical evaluation rather than home treatment.
The Indian Opinion
This article rightly flags a real danger, but it risks scaring people into thinking every bout of vomiting or diarrhoea will stop their heart. Most cases resolve with rest and oral rehydration. The real story is under-recognised: how quickly electrolyte levels can drop in vulnerable patients. A sensible test: if you cannot keep even small sips of water down for 12 hours, or if palpitations persist after rehydration, seek help. Otherwise, stay calm and sip slowly.
Source: timesnownews.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
