Heart Palpitations
A heart palpitation is the sensation that your heart has skipped a beat or added an extra beat. It may feel like your heart is racing, pounding, or fluttering. You may become overly aware of your heartbeat. This sensation is sometimes also felt in the neck, throat, or chest. While you are having palpitations, your heart rhythm may or may not be abnormal.
Heart palpitations can be caused by a variety of factors, including caffeine, exercise, smoking, or stress.
Although they can be quite unsettling, most heart palpitations are harmless and resolve on their own without treatment.
Rarely, heart palpitations are a sign of a serious condition. Seek medical attention immediately if your heart palpitations are accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, fainting, difficulty breathing, or if you have previously diagnosed heart problems.
Causes of Heart Palpitations
Heart palpitations can be caused by a wide variety of things, including:
strenuous exercise
caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate, and cola drinks)
nicotine from tobacco products such as cigarettes and cigars
stress, anxiety, fear, or panic
dehydration
hormonal changes, including pregnancy
electrolyte abnormalities
low blood sugar
anemia
overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
low levels of oxygen or carbon dioxide in the blood
blood loss
shock
fever
over-the-counter medications, including cold and cough medications, herbal supplements, and nutritional supplements
prescription medications, including beta blockers, asthma inhalers, and decongestants
illegal drugs such as amphetamines and cocaine
Most heart palpitations are benign (harmless), but they can be a sign of illness when you also have:
irregular heartbeat or rhythm changes (arrhythmia)
previously diagnosed heart disease
heart disease risk factors
a defective heart valve
Seek medical attention right away if your palpitations are accompanied by:
dizziness or lightheadedness
fainting
loss of consciousness
confusion
breathing difficulty
profuse perspiration
pain, pressure, or tightening in your chest
pain in your arms, neck, chest, jaw, or upper back
a resting pulse rate of more than 100 beats per minute
These could be signs of a more serious condition.
Diagnosing the Cause of Heart Palpitations
The cause of heart palpitations can be very difficult to diagnose, especially if the palpitations donât occur while you are in the doctorâs office.
Your physician will probably conduct a thorough physical examination to identify a cause. Be prepared to answer questions about your physical activities, stress levels, prescription and over-the-counter medication and supplement use, and previously diagnosed health conditions.
If necessary, your doctor may refer you to a heart specialist (cardiologist). Tests to help rule out certain diseases or heart problems include:
blood tests
urine tests
a stress test
Holter monitor (a portable machine that records the heartâs rhythm for 24 hours)
echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart)
electrocardiogram (EKG)
X-ray of the chest
electrophysiology study (EPS, to check the heartâs electrical function)
coronary angiography (to check how blood flows through your heart)
Treatment for Heart Palpitations
Treatment depends on the cause of your palpitations. Any underlying medical conditions will have to be addressed.
Most of the time, no cause for palpitations is found, and no treatment is advised.
If your palpitations are due to controllable lifestyle choices such as smoking or too much caffeine, simply cutting down or eliminating those substances may be all that is needed. If you think medication may be the problem, ask your doctor about alternative medications or treatments.
Preventing Heart Palpitations
If your doctor tells you that treatment is not necessary, there are steps you can take to decrease your chance of palpitations:
Keep a log of your activities, as well as the foods and beverages you eat. Note incidents of heart palpitations. Try to identify your triggers and avoid them.
If you are anxious or stressed, try relaxation exercises, deep breathing, yoga, tai chi, etc.
Limit or stop your intake of alcohol and caffeine.
Donât smoke or use tobacco products.
If medication is causing palpitations, ask your doctor if there are any alternatives.
Exercise regularly.
Stick to a healthy diet and try to keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control.
Source: http://www.healthline.com
