A Likely Health Coincidence: Burping and a Fast Heart Rate

If you're having symptoms of burping and a fast heart rate simultaneously, you can rest assured that one didn't cause the other. "They are not related," says Shephal Doshi, MD, director of cardiac electrophysiology and pacing at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California.

He explains the conditions this way: "Anything that causes a release of adrenaline can cause your heart rate to increase. Burping is a gastrointestinal phenomenon related to swallowing excess air."

Though the potential health implications are different, they may have one thing in common: Check in with your doctor.

Symptoms like burping and belching are often caused by gas, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Gas can originate from the normal breakdown of some undigested foods by harmless bacteria that occur naturally in the large intestine, the Cleveland Clinic explains. In other cases, it can be caused by swallowing air, Dr. Doshi says.

Although it's common to swallow small amounts of air when eating and drinking, people who eat or drink quickly, chew gum, smoke or wear loose dentures can end up swallowing even more air, the Cleveland Clinic says. And swallowing too much air can lead to frequent burping or belching, which can sometimes be tied to upper gastrointestinal disorders.

Depending on the cause, frequency and severity of belching, the Cleveland Clinic notes that it can usually be helped by behavioral changes involving diet or swallowing less air. Gas may be treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications, the Cleveland Clinic says. To identify the cause of chronic burping or belching, it's best to share your concerns with your doctor.

​Read more:​ How to Stop Excessive Burping

A heart rate of approximately 60 to 100 beats a minute while at rest is considered normal, according to the Mayo Clinic. Having a heart rate above this range while at rest, known as tachycardia, is generally considered too fast, Mayo Clinic says. It adds, however, that having a faster heart rate in response to exercise, stress, trauma or illness (referred to as sinus tachycardia) is typically normal.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), abnormal types of tachycardia include atrial or supraventricular tachycardia (a fast heart rate that begins in the upper chambers of the heart) and ventricular tachycardia (a fast heart rate that starts in the lower chambers of the heart).

Many people with atrial or supraventricular tachycardia have no discernable symptoms, the AHA says. However, the AHA notes that those who do may experience fainting, lightheadedness or dizziness, fluttering in the chest, shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pressure, tightness or pain, among other symptoms. Extreme cases of atrial or supraventricular tachycardia can lead to unconsciousness or cardiac arrest, the AHA explains.

People with ventricular tachycardia often have symptoms that include palpitations (feelings of a pounding heart), shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, feeling lightheaded, falling unconscious and, in extreme cases, cardiac arrest, the AHA says.

If you experience any of these symptoms in addition to a rapid resting heart rate, reach out to your doctor with your concerns.

"Generally, if someone is not feeling well and has excessive fatigue or decreased exercise capacity with an elevated heart rate, they should consider scheduling an appointment with their doctor," Dr. Doshi says.

You may also want to see your doctor if you are experiencing any of the symptoms described above in addition to burping and a fast heart rate. Be sure to contact your doctor with any additional questions.

​Read more:​ Always Burping? Here's What Your Body's Trying to Tell You