Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogen used to help the body manage stress and anxiety. While generally well-tolerated, adverse cardiovascular reactions, including heart palpitations, are possible. Reports of this side effect are uncommon and usually linked to individual sensitivity, excessive dosage, or pre-existing medical conditions. In certain individuals, the herb’s effects on regulatory systems can alter normal heart rhythm.
What Are Palpitations?
Heart palpitations are sensations that make you aware of your own heartbeat, often described as startling or uncomfortable. People may feel a fluttering, flopping, pounding, or racing sensation in the chest or throat, or the feeling of a skipped beat. Palpitations are common and often brief, triggered by factors like strong emotions, strenuous exercise, or caffeine consumption. If they become frequent, persistent, or are accompanied by other symptoms, medical attention is warranted.
Ashwagandha’s Impact on Heart Rhythm
The mechanism by which Ashwagandha can trigger palpitations is linked to its influence on the endocrine system. The herb modulates thyroid function, increasing the levels of thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Elevated thyroid hormone levels can lead to thyrotoxicosis, which directly stimulates the heart muscle. This stimulation can result in a rapid heart rate (tachycardia) and the feeling of palpitations.
Ashwagandha also helps regulate the body’s stress response by reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol. While this is beneficial, the herb’s overall effect on the autonomic nervous system is complex, as this system controls involuntary functions like heart rate and rhythm.
The herb’s compounds may interact with the neural pathways that maintain heart rate variability, the natural variation in the time between heartbeats. Disrupting this variability can sometimes lead to a noticeable shift in heart rhythm. In susceptible individuals, these endocrine and nervous system changes can manifest as an irregular or racing heartbeat.
Identifying Individual Risk Factors
Several factors increase the likelihood of experiencing heart palpitations when taking Withania somnifera. Dosage is a significant variable. While Ashwagandha is safe at typical doses, excessively high amounts are frequently linked to side effects. Case reports suggesting cardiovascular effects often involve high doses, and monitoring thyroid function is advised for long-term use.
Pre-existing medical conditions are a major risk factor for adverse reactions. Individuals with known cardiac arrhythmias or structural heart disease should use the supplement cautiously. People with hyperthyroidism are at greater risk because Ashwagandha can further elevate T3 and T4 levels. This hormone boost can worsen hyperthyroid symptoms, including a rapid or irregular heart rate.
Drug and supplement interactions also elevate the risk of palpitations. Combining Ashwagandha with thyroid hormone replacement medications, for example, can lead to an overcorrection of hormone levels. The herb possesses mild sedative properties, and taking it alongside prescription sedatives may cause excessive drowsiness. Since Ashwagandha may lower blood pressure and blood sugar, combining it with medications for hypertension or diabetes can potentiate those effects, sometimes leading to secondary symptoms like dizziness or lightheadedness that feel like palpitations.
Safety Guidelines and Medical Consultation
If you experience heart palpitations while taking Ashwagandha, discontinue use of the supplement. Monitor the symptoms, noting their duration and severity. If the sensation is fleeting and resolves quickly, it may not be cause for immediate alarm.
However, certain accompanying symptoms require immediate medical attention, as they may indicate a serious underlying issue. Seek urgent care if palpitations are accompanied by:
- Chest pain or pressure.
- Severe dizziness.
- Fainting.
- Shortness of breath.
These symptoms can signal a harmful cardiac event.
Before starting any new supplement, consult with a healthcare provider. This is important if you have pre-existing heart or thyroid conditions or are taking prescription medications. A medical professional can evaluate your risk profile and determine if the supplement is appropriate for your health status.