Heart Palpitations - Learn When Should You Be Worried?

Table of Contents:

Introduction
What are Heart Palpitations?
What Causes Heart Palpitations?
What are the Symptoms of Heart Palpitations?
When to Worry About Heart Palpitations?
What are the Treatments of Heart Palpitations?
Effective Management of Heart Palpitations

Introduction

Heart palpitations are when you feel as if your heart is racing or just skipped a beat. Though 6 to 11% of people report experiencing the condition, it can be a concerning and uncomfortable experience.

The sensation of a rapid heartbeat can make you anxious and worried about your overall health. Let’s explore more about heart palpitations, including their symptoms, causes, and treatment!

What are Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations are sensations where you can abnormally feel an irregular heartbeat. A normal heart rate is usually between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Usually, the condition is not serious, and it goes away on its own. However, in certain cases, it can be benign, as an indication of some severe health problem.

During the episodes of palpitations, you might feel your heart beating fast but not hard, even in your chest, neck, or throat. Palpitations are simply a heightened awareness of your heartbeat. This heightened awareness may indicate a change in your heartbeat, which is often normal and doesn’t signify any health issues.

However, sometimes heart palpitations occur due to arrhythmia, where your heartbeat is faster or slower than normal, indicating an irregular pattern. Some signs to watch for may indicate an underlying medical condition, which could increase the risk of stroke or other cardiac events.

Some types of heart palpitations include,

Premature Atrial and Ventricular Contraction
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)
Atrial Flutter
Sinus Tachycardia
Sinus Bradycardia

What Causes Heart Palpitations?

Most people wonder if it is normal to feel your heartbeat while resting. Palpitations may occur anytime, even while you’re sleeping or going about your daily routine. While palpitations can be signs of cardiac disorders in extreme circumstances, they are usually due to lifestyle choices. Let us explore some common causes of heart palpitations.

Thyroid Issues

The thyroid is responsible for the proper regulation of hormones. If you experience thyroid hormone imbalances due to an overactive (hyperthyroid) or underactive (hypothyroid) thyroid gland, these hormonal fluctuations can result in frequent flutters in your heart.

Smoking

Smoking is one of the leading causes of heart palpitations, as it elevates your heart rate and blood pressure due to the nicotine present in tobacco. Moreover, the sudden withdrawal of nicotine can cause palpitations as your body adjusts to the absence of the substance.

High-Stress Situations

Stressful situations can trigger your body to release hormones that induce a fight-or-flight response, which may increase your heart rate. This response can manifest in the form of panic attacks, irrational fears, and heart palpitations. It is not a sign of cardiac arrest and typically resolves once you calm down.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a powerful stimulant that increases heart rate. Avoid consuming too many cups of coffee or highly caffeinated drinks, especially if you feel jittery after a single serving. Excessive caffeine intake can result in heart flutters.

Hormonal Fluctuations

Women are more prone to heart palpitations during hormonal imbalances related to their period, pregnancy, or menopause. These palpitations are usually fleeting and should resolve once hormone levels stabilize.

High Fever

Your body tends to consume energy at a faster rate when you have a fever. This reaction, especially during high-temperature fevers, can induce palpitations due to spikes in your heart rate.

Vigorous Workouts

Intense workouts can make you gasp for breath as your heart struggles to pump excess oxygen-rich blood to the muscles. Therefore, it is common to experience heart palpitations if you have not engaged in a regular exercise routine.

Low Blood Sugar

Palpitations are also a common side effect of fasting, as your body releases stress hormones like adrenaline. This release provides your body with the energy needed to cope with a lack of food. A drop in blood sugar can lead to a higher heart rate due to the adrenaline coursing through your system.

What are the Symptoms of Heart Palpitations?

The sign of palpitations is a fluttering or hammering sensation in your chest, which might feel like your heart is racing, beating too hard, or skipping beats. Here are some common symptoms associated with the condition:

Fluttering or racing heartbeat
Pounding in the chest with a sensation of forceful heartbeats
Skipped beats or extra beats
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Shortness of breath
Chest pain or discomfort
Sweating
Fatigue
Anxiety or panic
Nausea or abdominal discomfort

When to Worry About Heart Palpitations?

While occasional palpitations are usually harmless and can be attributed to anxiety, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider if you are unsure about the underlying cause. It is time to worry if:

You have heart palpitations for three days or more.
Your episodes of palpitations are new or have changed in their pattern or intensity.
You experience heart palpitations all day, accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue.
You have other related symptoms like chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath.
You have a medical history of heart disease or other cardiovascular conditions, such as bradycardia.

While the symptoms of anxiety and irregular heartbeat can be similar, don’t hesitate to voice your concerns. When left untreated, palpitations can lead to more serious health implications, such as heart failure or stroke. Getting evaluated in the early stages will help you begin your treatment sooner.

What are the Treatments for Heart Palpitations?

To receive proper treatment for your heart palpitations, keep a journal of when the episodes occur to identify common patterns or triggers. In clinical settings, your medical professional will monitor your heart and lungs while assessing your history, symptoms, and the medications you take. Some common treatment options for this condition include:

Lifestyle Changes

Making healthy lifestyle changes can help reduce episodes of palpitations. This includes managing stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding stimulants like caffeine.

Medications

In some cases, your healthcare professional may prescribe certain medications to control palpitations. These may include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or anti-arrhythmic drugs. However, medications are typically used only when lifestyle changes are ineffective or if you are diagnosed with an underlying heart condition.

Implantable Devices

In rare circumstances, especially if your palpitations are due to arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation, implantable devices may be recommended. Pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) may be suggested to regulate your heart’s rhythm.

Effective Management of Heart Palpitations

Heart palpitations are a prevalent condition affecting millions worldwide at least once in their lives. The fluttering or hammering sensation in the chest may feel alarming but is often harmless. Even though palpitations can be unsettling, they typically begin and resolve on their own. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options with proper ACLS training can help manage them effectively. If you find your symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional to get an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment to restore your normal heart rate and rhythm.

References

Heart Palpitations: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Updated on: January 16, 2025