Symptom 6: Rapid Heart Rate
Everyone has felt their heart race at some point, perhaps after a sprint or a moment of anxiety. However, in the context of gastric volvulus, a sudden spike in heart rate isn’t just a fleeting feeling; it’s an urgent message from the body. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill nervous heartbeat; it’s an accelerated rhythm that may be signaling internal duress.
The stomach’s twist in gastric volvulus doesn’t operate in isolation. It impacts neighboring organs and can press against major vessels, affecting blood flow. As the body perceives this altered flow and possible lowered oxygenation, the heart may respond by speeding up, trying to compensate and ensure adequate oxygen reaches vital tissues.
A consistently elevated heart rate isn’t just about palpitations. This rapid rhythm can strain the heart, lead to increased blood pressure, and even predispose individuals to arrhythmias. It’s a systemic issue, not just a cardiovascular one. (6)
