11/06/2024
Heart palpitations are often described as a fluttering, pounding, or racing sensation in the chest, which can be sudden and unsettling. They can be sudden and alarming, sparking fear and anxiety in many. While most palpitations are harmless and temporary, in some cases, they signal a more serious health issue that requires medical attention. Knowing what triggers heart palpitations, recognizing the signs, and understanding when to seek professional help are key to managing this common yet unsettling experience.
What are Heart Palpitations?
Heart palpitations occur when the heart beats too quickly or forcefully, making you unusually aware of your heartbeat. This awareness can trigger anxiety, sometimes creating a cycle that worsens the sensation.
In many cases, heart palpitations are harmless. However, some may indicate a serious heart condition that requires medical attention. Most cases require monitoring the frequency and duration of heart palpitations and any associated symptom.
Common Causes Of Heart Palpitation
Several factors affect the heart's rhythm, which are either internal or external. Many of these causes are benign, but others may be associated with serious health conditions. Let us discuss some of the common and less common causes.
Stress and Anxiety:
Emotional stress releases adrenaline, a hormone that accelerates heart rate. While this 'fight or flight' response is normal, chronic stress may result in ongoing palpitations.
Caffeine and Stimulants:
Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks, is a powerful stimulant that can lead to heart palpitations, especially in those who are sensitive to it. Nicotine, decongestants, and certain illicit drugs like cocaine are other stimulants known to affect heart rhythm.
Tip: If you experience palpitations, consider limiting your intake of caffeinated beverages and avoid other stimulants. Opt for herbal teas or decaf drinks instead.
Medications and Dietary Supplements:
Some medications tend to cause palpitations, which include:
- Asthma Inhalers: Albuterol, used for asthma relief, may cause a racing heartbeat or palpitations as a side effect.
- Decongestants: pseudoephedrine is a common element found in over-the-counter decongestant drugs, which increases heartbeat and causes palpitations.
- Thyroid Medications and Antidepressants: These also can impact the heart's rhythm.
- Herbal Supplements: Even some herbal supplements, such as ginseng and guarana, stimulate the heart in a way that can cause palpitations.
Always report any side effects to your healthcare provider when you start a new medication.
Hormonal Changes:
Other common causes of heart palpitations in women are associated with changes in their hormones. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause can affect heart rhythm.
- Pregnancy: Blood volume expands in pregnancy to provide nutrients to the developing fetus, increasing the heart rate; hormonal alterations can also trigger palpitations.
- Changes of Menopause: Hormonal imbalance in postmenopausal women occurs primarily in the context of changes in estrogen that lead to the heart skipping a beat.
Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance:
Electrolytes—such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium—are crucial for maintaining a regular heart rate. Dehydration can disrupt this balance and lead to heart rhythm irregularities. Common Signs of Dehydration :
- Dryness of mouth
- Dizziness
- Decreased urine
- Fatigue
Persistent dehydration can put strain on the heart.
- Hydration: Hydration is essential in preventing palpitations caused by dehydration. This would include adequate intake of water and replenishment of electrolytes, particularly during exercise and illness.
Some of the rarer causes of heart palpitations are:
Heart Rhythm Disorders:
- Conditions like atrial fibrillation (AFib) or ventricular tachycardia (VT) involve irregular heart rhythms. AFib, for example, causes the upper heart chambers to beat irregularly and can increase the risk of stroke. If palpitations are accompanied by dizziness or chest pain, immediate medical attention is required.
- Diagnosis: Tests such as an ECG or a Holter monitor can be used to detect irregular heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias
Heart Disease:
Palpitations can be due to actual heart disease, such as narrowed or blocked coronary arteries from coronary artery disease, heart failure, or having had a heart attack in the past. These problems impair the heart's capacity to work properly.
- When to Worry: If you have a known heart condition and experience new or worsening palpitations, then you should seek medical attention immediately.
Hyperthyroidism:
Overactivity of a thyroid gland or hyperthyroidism causes an over-increased rate of palpitations and fast heart rates. The metabolism is further regulated by thyroid hormones and, when these are above the normal limit, could overstimulate the heart.
Other symptoms include unexplained weight loss, excessive sweating, and tremors. This condition is often diagnosed with a blood test, and treatment typically begins with medication.
Symptoms of Heart Palpitations
Heart palpitations are usually marked by an awareness of sudden thudding of heartbeats, but manifestations vary from one person to another.
- Rapid pulse: A sensation of an accelerated or pounding heartbeat
- Chest Tightness or Pain: Usually a minor to major agony in the chest area- this must not be slighted if it persists.
- Shortness of Breath: It means they cannot breathe or feel breathlessness, even while resting.
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness: There might be an occurrence of dizziness and fainting which, if extreme, might cause a loss of consciousness.
- Fatigue: They are exhausted, but only in extreme cases of being too exhausted to keep themselves active when the heart has to pump more blood than normal.
- Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Anxiety can both trigger and be triggered by palpitations, creating a self-perpetuating cycle.This is a kind of cycle that may easily be spiraled out of control.
- Fear of Heart Attack: People experiencing palpitations often worry about the possibility of a heart attack, which can heighten anxiety and worsen symptoms.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While palpitations are often benign, there are a few red flags that cannot be ignored. If you have any of the following, see a healthcare professional:
- Persistent or Recurring Palpitations: When palpitations occur frequently or persist for a long time, evaluation is warranted.
- Severe or Worsening Symptoms: Chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or dizziness is a cause for urgent attention.
- Symptoms Associated with Syncope: Episodes of fainting or near-fainting require medical assessment to rule out serious conditions.
- Palpitations in Pre-existing Heart Disease: Patients with a history of heart disease should be very careful about new or worsening palpitations.
Diagnosis of Palpitations
When you see a doctor for palpitations, he or she may perform a set of diagnostic tests to determine the cause:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Electrocardiagram is a test that demonstrates the electrical activity of the heart in an attempt to look for anomalies.
- Holter Monitor: A portable device worn for 24-48 hours to continuously monitor heart rhythm.
- Echocardiogram (ECHO): Echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart that provides detailed images to assess the structure and function of the heart.
- Blood Tests: For checking thyroid function, imbalance of electrolytes, and signs of anemia.
Treatment of Heart Palpitations
Treatment for heart palpitations depends on the underlying cause. For many, simple lifestyle changes can effectively manage symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes:
- Relaxation Methods: Techniques like yoga, deep breathing, and mindfulness can effectively reduce stress and anxiety, benefiting both mental well-being and heart health.
- Limit Stimulants-Caffeine and Other Drinks: Limiting stimulants like coffee, energy drinks, or nicotine can help prevent heart palpitations. In this case, decaf beverages or herb teas will be a great alternative for healthier living.
- Hydration: Staying properly hydrated is essential for maintaining balanced electrolytes, which support heart health. Be sure to drink enough water, especially in hot weather or when exercising.
- Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity is always helpful in strengthening the heart and maintaining a regular heartbeat. However, exercise to be chosen should suit one's fitness level and for those with heart-related concerns, it is better to consult a doctor before embarking on any such regime.
Medications and Procedures:
- Beta-Blockers: Beta-blockers decrease the heart rate. In most cases, patients diagnosed with palpitations or elevated blood pressure are put on beta-blockers.
- Calcium Channel Blockers: These medications relax the blood vessels and can help to control heart rhythm.
- Anti-Arrhythmic Drugs: These drugs are used in serious cases of arrhythmias to help the heart resume its normal rhythm.
In more severe cases of persistent or severe arrhythmias, more aggressive treatments are required:
- Cardioversion: Cardioversion a procedure that delivers electrical shocks to the heart to restore its normal rhythm.
- Ablation Therapy: This is a minimally invasive procedure in which radiofrequency energy destroys abnormal tissue causing arrhythmia.
- Pacemaker Implantation: A device implanted under the skin to help regulate abnormal heart rhythms.
Conclusion
Heart palpitations can be alarming, but understanding their causes like stress, caffeine, or a more serious heart condition can help you take control of your heart health. Practicing relaxation techniques, limiting stimulants, and staying hydrated effectively manage palpitations. Always consult a healthcare professional if palpitations are frequent and severe, or occur with symptoms like chest pain or dizziness.