Can tyramine cause heart palpitations? The link between food and heart health

October 13, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the Cleveland Clinic, tyramine, a naturally occurring amino acid, has been shown to raise blood pressure and cause heart palpitations. For most people, this dietary compound poses no issue, but for individuals on certain medications or those with a sensitivity, it can be a significant trigger. This article explores how and why can tyramine cause heart palpitations and what you can do about it.

Quick Summary

Tyramine, an amino acid found in aged and fermented foods, can trigger heart palpitations and dangerous blood pressure spikes, especially in individuals taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). This reaction is due to elevated levels of norepinephrine in the bloodstream, affecting cardiovascular function. Dietary management is key to preventing adverse effects.

Key Points

Tyramine is a Natural Compound: Tyramine is formed from the amino acid tyrosine and is found in aged, fermented, and spoiled foods.
MAOIs are a Major Risk Factor: Individuals taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) are at high risk because these drugs block the enzyme that breaks down tyramine, leading to dangerous hypertensive crises.
Tyramine Triggers Norepinephrine Release: In susceptible individuals, tyramine causes nerve cells to release norepinephrine, which constricts blood vessels and increases heart rate, leading to palpitations.
Sensitivity Varies by Individual: Tyramine intolerance is similar to lactose intolerance, where some individuals have a reduced ability to break down the compound and are therefore more sensitive to its effects.
Freshness is Crucial: Tyramine levels increase as food ages. Prioritizing fresh foods and practicing proper food storage and handling are key preventative measures.
Dietary Management is Essential: A low-tyramine diet, focusing on fresh, unprocessed foods and avoiding aged cheeses, cured meats, and certain alcoholic beverages, is the primary way to prevent tyramine-induced palpitations.

Understanding Tyramine and Its Role in the Body

Tyramine is a natural compound formed from the breakdown of the amino acid tyrosine. It is found in various foods, with levels increasing as food ages, ferments, or spoils. In most individuals, tyramine is metabolized by the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the gut and liver, preventing large amounts from entering the bloodstream and causing adverse effects.

The Mechanism Behind Tyramine's Cardiovascular Effects

When absorbed, tyramine can cause nerve cells to release norepinephrine. This neurotransmitter constricts blood vessels and increases heart rate and blood pressure. While healthy individuals usually regulate this response, those with impaired tyramine metabolism can experience significant increases in blood pressure and heart rate, leading to palpitations.

The Critical Role of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

A major risk of tyramine consumption is for individuals taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). These medications block the MAO enzyme, preventing tyramine breakdown. Consuming high-tyramine foods while on MAOIs can lead to a hypertensive crisis, a dangerous blood pressure spike with symptoms like heart palpitations and severe headaches.

Factors Contributing to Tyramine Sensitivity

Some individuals have naturally lower levels of the MAO enzyme, leading to tyramine sensitivity and making them more susceptible to symptoms. Overwhelming the body's metabolic capacity with excessive tyramine or certain health conditions can also contribute.

Foods with High and Moderate Tyramine Content

Managing tyramine intake is important for those with sensitivity or taking MAOIs. Tyramine levels rise with aging and fermentation.

Foods to Avoid (High Tyramine)

Aged cheeses, cured/smoked/processed meats, and fermented products are high in tyramine. Red wine and some beers, concentrated yeast products, and spoiled foods also contain high levels.

Foods to Limit (Moderate Tyramine)

Overripe fruits like bananas and avocados, certain beans such as fava and broad beans, and chocolate contain moderate levels of tyramine.

Managing Your Diet to Prevent Palpitations

Careful dietary management is crucial if you are sensitive to tyramine or take an MAOI. A comparison of high-tyramine vs. low-tyramine foods includes categories like dairy, meat/poultry, fish, fermented foods, and beverages. Best practices for a low-tyramine diet include prioritizing freshness, practicing proper storage, reading labels carefully, understanding alcohol content, and consulting a professional. More information about tyramine content in foods and low-tyramine diets can be found on {Link: Dr. Axe draxe.com/nutrition/tyramine/}.

Conclusion: Navigating Tyramine and Heart Palpitations

Can tyramine cause heart palpitations? Yes, especially for sensitive individuals or those on MAOI medication, where it poses a serious risk. Tyramine triggers norepinephrine release, increasing blood pressure and heart rate. Knowing high-tyramine foods, ensuring food freshness, and managing intake can prevent tyramine-induced palpitations. Individuals on MAOIs need strict medical supervision for their diet. For others, mindful eating can help maintain heart health.

For more information on managing tyramine sensitivity and dietary restrictions, refer to authoritative sources such as Healthline's detailed guide on tyramine-free diets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Foods highest in tyramine include aged cheeses like cheddar and blue cheese, cured and processed meats such as salami and pepperoni, and fermented products like soy sauce, miso, and sauerkraut.

Some people get palpitations from tyramine because their bodies cannot efficiently break it down, either due to a sensitivity or because they are taking MAOI medications. This causes excess tyramine to trigger the release of norepinephrine, a hormone that raises blood pressure and heart rate.

A hypertensive crisis is a dangerous spike in blood pressure that can occur in individuals taking MAOIs who consume high-tyramine foods. It is a medical emergency that can lead to severe headaches, chest pain, and stroke.

While it's rare for a healthy person to experience a hypertensive crisis from tyramine, minor palpitations could potentially occur after consuming very large quantities, as the body's metabolic system can be overwhelmed. However, the effect is most pronounced and dangerous for those with sensitivities or on MAOIs.

Symptoms from a tyramine interaction, including palpitations, can last for a couple of hours and are directly related to the amount consumed. In the case of a hypertensive crisis, the effects can persist for several hours and require immediate medical attention.

No, cooking food does not destroy tyramine. The amount of tyramine is primarily determined by aging and fermentation, and heat does not break down this compound. Using an electric pressure cooker for high-heat, fast cooking can help keep levels low compared to slow-cooking, but it does not eliminate it entirely.

A strict low-tyramine diet is only necessary for individuals taking MAOIs or those who have confirmed tyramine intolerance. For most people, the body's natural enzymes handle normal dietary intake without issue.