RLR
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This type of scenario is not uncommon and very typically occurs as a result of trapped air within the lumens of the intestines or at the level of the esophagus, both of which can induce diaphragmatic pressure and ultimately cause wayward or inappropriate stimulation of the vagus nerve, the result of which is a response by the heart in the way of a palpitation event. Realize that lying on the left side causes greater pressure on the pericardium, esophagus and stomach because they are all anatomically situated left of midline. In other words, there is greater force by gravity upon the organs when lying on the left side versus the right side and it is this differential which produces a disparity in physiological response.
The manifestation of vagus nerve-induced palpitation events is well-known by women who have been pregnant. Realize that it naturally creates a change in your architecture downstairs, so to speak, and the potential for irritation of the vagus nerve and subsequent wayward stimulation is quite high. Eating during pregnancy typically involves sometimes radical changes in dietary choices, many of which result in gastrointestinal discomfort, the nature of which results in trapped air or gas in the stomach and intestines, a consequence that is exacerbated by the crowded presence of the growing fetus.
It's also natural for the heart rate to increase following a significant palpitation disturbance, but it's an entirely normal and purposeful physiological response. When some benign palpitations occur, they can induce a slight and momentary down-spike in blood pressure. If pressure falls too low, you are well familiar with such a consequence because it lowers perfusion to the brain and results in syncope, or fainting. In order to try and prevent this from occurring, the cardiac center in the brain receives information from pressure sensors in the carotid arteries that pressure is too low. The most expedient method to restore pressure is for both heart rate and cardiac force to be increased, resulting in rapid, pounding heartbeats. Once pressure is restored to safe levels, the rate and force of your heart slows to normal once again. The sensation during the corrective period can sometimes be quite dramatic and fear that something is wrong is almost always induced, resulting in the typical responses to sudden fear, ie sweating, breathlessness, racing thoughts, paresthesias or tingling sensations and a host of other physiological characteristics.
It's important to remember that when you begin experiencing benign palpitations, changing body position will often disrupt the onset of further palpitations. By contrast, continuing to lay in the same position can likewise cause the palpitations to continue and sometimes produce a very dramatic, yet harmless, presentation which almost universally causes panic or near-panic responses by the affected individual.
I see nothing whatsoever of your symptoms to suggest anything greater to be present, or any indication that you are at any health risk whatsoever from such symptoms.
You're going to be just fine.
Best regards,
Rutheford Rane, MD (ret.)
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