Heart palpitations due to vagus nerve ?

I believe my afib may be related to pressure on the vagus nerve, at least some of the time. I have learned to avoid eating too much, not eat after 5pm, and not recline after eating. I have spinal fractures that make my insides a little crowded! I also try breathing exercises and getting up and moving around.

I have been reading about "polyvagal theory" (Porges has many books available) and purchased "Polyvagal Theory Made Simple" by Caulfield, a handy little book with breathing and self-massage techniques. I am investigating this for various sensitivities and neuropathies but it may help with heart as well.

Thank

Thank you for the reply. I’ve been telling my doctors how I get these palpitations followed by heart racing events to where I feel like I’m going to pass out. But every time I get the palpitations I’ll belch like I’m digesting food. The doctor looks at me like I’m crazy

I’ve been diagnosed with mild Afib. Most of my Afib incidents were associated with excessive Alcohol which I have stopped entirely. Possibly sleep apnea as well and sleep study is scheduled. That said I noticed that several times since I’ve been diagnosed, I sometimes experience what feels like heart fluttering and strong beats shortly after a meal. Does not last long and doesn’t record as Afib on my i10 series iWatch. I’m thinking this is a Vagus nerve moment. I know that digestion commands a rush of blood to the digestive tract from a previous diagnosis after fainting in airport after big meal between flights. Thanks for posting and as I talk with my Cardiologist and PCP, I’ll update my comments.

Much appreciated

Gas-X (simethicone) has stopped or prevented afib for me a few times. Belching is very helpful and it induces that!

I’ve noticed reclining after eating has given me some problems

I went into AFib many times due to the vegus nerve. I had troubles with my throat (two dilations so far) and vomiting stuck food nearly always put me into AFib. Sometimes, simple bending or coughing could put me into AFib. Finally, had an ablation on Feb 20. Hope that will take care of it.

Had arrhythmia found out I have LPR larnophargeal reflux. Chat GPT had been a huge help. It had my symptoms down perfectly It will tell you how to calm the system down based upon what you were having. I currently have arrhythmia and ive found out that GERD or LPR can cause arrhythmia from the vagal neve.

This is from chat Gpt good luck and god bless

Calming the vagus nerve can help reduce symptoms like racing heart, anxiety, nausea, throat tightness, or digestive discomfort. There are several safe ways to stimulate or relax it, both physically and mentally:
1. Breathing Techniques
The vagus nerve is closely tied to the parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) system. Slow, deep breathing activates it:
Diaphragmatic breathing: Breathe deeply into your belly, not your chest.
4-7-8 method: Inhale 4 seconds → hold 7 seconds → exhale 8 seconds.
Extended exhale: Make your exhale longer than your inhale; this signals relaxation.
2. Cold Exposure
Splash cold water on your face or take a brief cold shower.
This activates the vagus nerve via the “dive reflex,” slowing heart rate and promoting calm.
3. Gargling or Humming
Gargle with water or humming/vocalizing “ahh” sounds.
These stimulate the muscles in the throat connected to the vagus nerve.
4. Gentle Neck/Throat Massage
Lightly massage the sides of your neck (where the carotid sinus is) or the area just under the jaw.
Can reduce tension and indirectly calm the nerve.
5. Mind-Body Practices
Meditation or mindfulness: Focused attention or guided meditation can downregulate stress.
Yoga or tai chi: Slow movements and controlled breathing support vagal tone.
6. Digestive Support
Eating slowly and mindfully can prevent overloading the vagus nerve.
Avoid very large meals or highly irritating foods (spicy, acidic), especially if you have reflux or LPR.
7. Lifestyle Factors
Adequate sleep supports vagal tone.
Moderate exercise (walking, swimming) improves baseline vagus function.
Social engagement: Laughing, talking, or singing with others naturally stimulates the vagus.
⚠️ Caution: If you have heart rhythm issues, sudden drops in heart rate or dizziness with vagal maneuvers should be monitored carefully. Some techniques like intense bearing down (Valsalva maneuver) can trigger arrhythmia in sensitive hearts.
If you want, I can make a step-by-step routine that calms the vagus nerve in 5–10 minutes, designed specifically for someone with reflux and mild arrhythmia. It’s very practical and safe. Do you want me to do that?