Irregular Heartbeats
One of the most common symptoms of vitamin deficiency is irregular heartbeats. A healthy heart beats regularly but can beat too slowly or quickly. An abnormal electrical flow within the ventricles and atriums of the heart causes irregular heartbeats. They originate from an abnormality in the electrical system that regulates heartbeat, called the cardiac conduction system (CCS).
We may not think about it often, but our hearts constantly work to get oxygen-rich blood throughout our bodies. This process requires a steady heartbeat, which means that normal electrical impulses need to be sent from the brain via the autonomic nervous system to contractions of the heart that ensure blood is continuously moving through our veins. If this electrical flow is disrupted, abnormal heartbeats will result.
The CCS is responsible for regulating these impulses and ensuring they’re sent throughout so that blood can always be pumped. Any problems with this system are going to have a direct impact on heartbeat regularity. Vitamin B12 deficiencies have been shown to result in problems with impulse regulation in those who suffer from it because low levels of this vitamin affect the functions of the CCS. This is why getting enough B12 in your diet is so important since it can help maintain the electrical impulses responsible for keeping your heart beating properly.
