Heart Palpitations

Heart palpitations(心悸) can be a worrisome experience. They often feel like your heart is fluttering, pounding, or skipping beats. Although palpitations are common and usually harmless, understanding when to worry about them is essential for your well-being. This comprehensive guide will explore heart palpitations, their causes, symptomatic treatments, and when to seek medical help. 

What is Heart Palpitation?    

Heart palpitations are sensations that feel like your heart is racing or pounding. They can occur while you're active or at rest and may feel alarming. However, palpitations are often not severe and can be caused by stress, exercise, medication, hot and/or humid weather or, sometimes, an underlying medical condition. 

Heart Palpitation Causes  

Various factors can trigger heart palpitations, including: 

• Emotional Triggers: Stress, anxiety, panic attacks, or excitement 
• Physical Triggers: Strenuous exercise, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, or fever 
• Environmental Triggers: Hot and/or humid weather 
• Medical Conditions: Thyroid disease, low blood sugar, anemia, low blood pressure, acute blood loss, dehydration, and heart rhythm disorders 
• Medications: Certain cold and asthma medications, beta-agonists, or thyroid pills 
• Dietary Supplements: Some herbal supplements and energy drinks 
• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause 

Heart Palpitation Symptoms   

While most heart palpitations are not a cause for concern, there are situations when seeking medical attention is important. Here are some circumstances when palpitations warrant a doctor’s visit: 

• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty catching your breath 

• Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or faint 
• Chest Pain: Discomfort or pain in the chest 
• Fainting: Losing consciousness temporarily 

Heart Palpitation Treatment        

Most of the time, heart palpitations don't require any treatment. However, if there is an underlying condition causing the palpitations, treating that condition will usually reduce or eliminate the palpitations. Lifestyle changes can also help, such as: 

• Reducing Stress: Through relaxation techniques like yoga meditation or breathing techniques 
• Limiting Stimulants: Cutting back on caffeine and nicotine 
• Monitoring Medications: Checking with your doctor if you suspect a medication or any drug interaction is causing palpitations 
• Staying Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids and staying in the shade or cooler environments to avoid dehydration 

When to Worry About Heart Palpitations?         

While most heart palpitations are not a cause for concern, there are situations when it's important to seek medical attention. Here are some circumstances when palpitations warrant a doctor’s visit: 

• Persistence of Palpitations: If they don't go away or keep recurring 
• Accompanied by Symptoms: If palpitations come with chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or fainting 
• Underlying Medical Conditions: If you have a known heart condition or have a risk of heart disease 

• Change in Palpitation Pattern: If the palpitations change in frequency, intensity, or rhythm 

If you experience any of these warning signs, it's crucial to get evaluated by a healthcare professional. They may perform diagnostic tests like an EKG, stress test, or Holter monitor to determine the cause of your palpitations. 

Heart palpitations are usually not serious, but knowing when to be concerned about them is important for your health. If you experience persistent palpitations or other accompanying symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider. By understanding heart palpitations, their causes, and symptoms and taking the appropriate steps towards treatment, you can ensure that your heart stays as healthy as possible. Remember, when in doubt, it's always better to err on the side of caution and speak with a medical professional about your heart health.

References

1. NHS. Heart palpitations. 28 Feb 2024 Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heart-palpitations/  
2. British Heart Foundation. Should I worry about heart palpitations? 28 Feb 2024 Retrieved from https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/ask-the-experts/when-to-worry-about-heart-palpitations  
3. Mayo Clinic. Heart palpitations. 28 Feb 2024 Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-palpitations/symptoms-causes/syc-20373196