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What are the Most Common Causes of Nausea and Palpitations?

By Patti Kate
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 37,038
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There are several factors that could induce nausea and palpitations, with some of the most common being anxiety, physical or mental stress, or even a reaction to certain medications. Both are typically symptoms of an underlying cause, so most medical professionals aim to diagnose that cause and not merely treat the symptoms.

Feeling nauseated and experiencing heart palpitations simultaneously could be signs of a panic attack. When panic attacks occur, many individuals will experience a feeling of uncontrollable anxiety along with unexplained nausea, difficulty breathing, and an irregular heartbeat. Palpitations can be in the form of skipped heartbeats or simply a very fast heart rhythm.

Nausea and palpitations could be a sign that the individual is not receiving adequate amounts of sodium in her diet or is not retaining sodium properly. In such a case, sodium or salt tablets may be prescribed to treat this condition. Magnesium and potassium could also play a role, as low levels of these minerals can also cause these symptoms.

Low blood pressure has also been known to cause nausea and heart palpitations in some individuals. When there is a sudden drop in blood pressure, this could send the heart into an irregular rhythm. This, in turn, can cause nausea.

Anemia can occasionally cause nausea and palpitations in more severe cases. Anemia is a deficiency in red blood cells and can cause the above symptoms as well as extreme fatigue. A medical professional can diagnose this problem by performing a simple blood test.

Some women who are experiencing menopause may occasionally suffer heart palpitations, nausea, hot flashes, and other symptoms that are often attributed to hormonal fluctuations. Most symptoms can be treated with medications and/or hormonal replacement therapy, if needed.

Lyme disease, which is a bacterial illness transmitted by the bite of an infected tick, can cause a distinctive rash, pain in the muscles and joints, heart palpitations, headaches, and many other symptoms. In many cases, this is a very debilitating disease. Lyme disease often attacks other parts of the body, including the central nervous system, and it can be difficult to diagnose.

Thyroid disease can produce nausea and palpitations in certain individuals. Hyperthyroidism can mimic symptoms of a panic attack, which is why it is crucial for the patient to get a proper diagnosis. Treatment includes medications and, occasionally, surgery on the thyroid. Nausea treatment can include prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications.

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Discussion Comments
By Perdido — On Jan 05, 2013

I remember having nausea and feeling dizzy when my blood pressure had dropped. I had been taking medication to treat high blood pressure, but my dosage was too strong.

I would feel weak and tired, and sometimes, I would get so dizzy that I had to lie down. This was when the nausea started.

A simple lowering of my dosage got things back to normal. I was so glad that it wasn't something more serious.

By cloudel — On Jan 05, 2013

My medication was the cause of my heart palpitations. Sadly enough, I was taking it to treat the anxiety that had been causing my nausea and nervousness.

I had to quit taking it, and I hated this, because it had been working. I didn't feel as socially awkward while taking it as I normally did.

The fact that my heart was skipping beats and coming back with a strong thud did scare me enough to make me stop taking it, though. I had to tell my doctor, and she had to gradually reduce my dosage, because suddenly stopping a medication like this could cause suicidal thoughts.

By OeKc05 — On Jan 05, 2013

@Oceana – I had nausea, anxiety, and heart palpitations for years when I was having regular panic attacks. Anxiety about work, my love life, and existence in general was wreaking havoc on my mind and body.

I eventually got a new way of thinking, but it took years of prayer, study, and meditation. As my anxiety faded, so did the nausea and palpitations.

I remember how I used to feel when a panic attack was coming on. I would experience a sudden sense of doom, like death was imminent. Then, my heart rate would change, I would feel faint, and I would get really queasy.

A temporary fix was to put my head between my legs, close my eyes, and breath deeply. Eventually, I learned to get angry and fight the panic attacks. When you are angry, it is hard to give in to fear.

By Oceana — On Jan 04, 2013

Wow, I didn't know that anxiety could cause heart palpitations! I see how it could cause nausea, but it amazes me that it can be powerful enough to affect heart rhythm.

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