Understanding Palpitations Symptom: Causes & Treatment
Palpitations are sensations or feelings of an irregular, rapid, or strong heartbeat. People who experience palpitations often describe them as feeling like their heart is fluttering, pounding, racing, skipping a beat, or beating too hard or too fast. Palpitations can be upsetting and may be accompanied by additional symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or worry.
Reasons for Palpitations
Several reasons for palpitations can include:
- Stress or anxiety: Emotional stress can trigger palpitations.
- Caffeine or alcohol: High intake of these substances can cause irregular heartbeats.
- Medications: Certain drugs might have palpitations as a side effect.
- Heart conditions: Such as arrhythmias or heart disease.
- Hormonal changes: Menopause or pregnancy can also lead to palpitations.
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Get A Second OpinionPalpitations Causes
To function properly, the heart needs its natural surroundings. This is especially true for the heart's electrical system; changes in electrical conduction might result in the heart's ability to pump blood being reduced. Palpitations can be caused by aberrant electrolyte levels in the body, such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. It can also be caused by anemia or hyperthyroidism. Some of the common stimulants that are said to be irritable are:
Arrhythmia:
An arrhythmia is a problem with the rhythm of the heartbeat. During an arrhythmia, the heart beats either too fast or too slowly, or with an irregular rhythm.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM):
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes hypertrophied (abnormally thick). The thickened heart muscle can make it more difficult for the heart to pump blood.
Heart failure:
Heart failure can be caused by coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart attack, cardiomyopathy. Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle doesn't pump blood like normally does.
Congenital heart disease:
Congenital Heart Disease is known as a congenital heart defect. The congenital heart is a defect in the structure of the heart that is present at birth.
Heart valve disease:
Heart valve disease occurs when the heart valves do not work properly.
Coronary artery disease:
Coronary artery disease is the blockage of the coronary arteries. This condition is usually caused by the build-up of Cholesterol and fatty deposits inside the arteries.
- Light-headedness
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Pulse rate over or less than the normal pulse rate
- Having heart disease or family history, recurrent fainting, or unexplained seizure disorder
- Exercise, particularly if they cause loss of consciousness
Diagnosis for Palpitations
Electrocardiography (ECG):
Electrocardiography (ECG): This records the electrical activity of the heart through electrodes attached to the skin.
Electrophysiologic Testing:
An Electrophysiology (EP) is a test that records the electrical activity and the electrical pathways of the heart.
Coronary angiography:
Coronary Angiography: A coronary angiogram is a procedure that uses X-ray imaging to see the heart's blood vessels. The test is done to see if there is a restriction in blood flow going to the heart.
Echocardiogram:
An Echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to produce echocardiograms (images of your heart). This common test to see the heart beating and pumping blood.
Blood Tests:
Blood tests may be ordered to check for underlying medical conditions, such as thyroid problems or electrolyte imbalances, which can contribute to palpitations.
Stress Test:
A stress test involves monitoring your heart's activity while you exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike. It can reveal abnormal heart rhythms that may occur during physical activity.
Palpitations Treatment
Palpitations treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause. Treatment options may include:
- Lifestyle changes: Reducing caffeine, alcohol, and stress.
- Medications: Prescribed by a doctor to manage underlying conditions.
- Medical procedures: For serious cases, procedures like ablation or cardioversion may be necessary.
Preventions of Palpitations
If your doctor says therapy isn't essential, you can take the following steps to reduce your risk of palpitations:
- Try to figure out what your triggers are so you can avoid them. Keep track of your activities and the foods and beverages you consume, as well as when you experience palpitations.
- Try relaxation methods, deep breathing, yoga, or tai chi if you're anxious or agitated.
- Caffeine should be consumed in moderation or not at all. Energy drinks should be avoided.
- Do not use tobacco products or smoke.
- Ask your doctor if there are any alternatives to a medicine that causes palpitations.
- Exercise on a regular basis.
- Maintain a balanced diet.
- Reduce the amount of alcohol you consume.
- Attempt to maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol level.
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Book an AppointmentWhen to see a Doctor?
Talk to your doctor if you notice that your heart rate is faster than normal. Doctors cannot always identify the cause of heart palpitations. They will need to rule out cardiac arrhythmia like tachycardia and other medical conditions like hyperthyroidism.
There is usually little risk of complications with heart palpitations unless they are caused by underlying heart disease. If they are caused by heart disease, you may experience:
- Fainting if your heart is beating too fast and your blood pressure drops
- Cardiac arrest if your palpitations are caused by arrhythmias and your heart is not beating effectively
- Stroke if your palpitations are related to atrial fibrillation.
- Heart failure if your heart does not pump well for a long time.
Talk to your doctor if you have palpitations along with other symptoms or if you have any other health concerns.
Home Remedies of Palpitations
People may use the following home remedies to relieve the short-term pain of swallowing:
- When feeling anxious or stressed, try relaxation exercises, deep breathing, and yoga.
- Limit intake of caffeine.
- Avoid caffeine-containing energy drinks.
- Stop smoking.Exercise regularly.
- Stick to a healthy diet.
- Reduce alcohol intake.
- Try to keep the blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control.
