When heart palpitations aren't from love!
Most importantly:
- What are the causes of palpitations?
- When should you seek help?
- Diagnosis
- Mitigating the consequences
Heart palpitations are a condition that happen when the heart either beats at more beats per minute or skips some beats. It is generally harmless, passes by itself and without treatment, but it endangers the heart and can damage the heart muscle.
Chances are that you may have experienced heart palpitations - one moment your heart is beating normally and then suddenly begins to thump or flutter. This sudden change in rhythm can be felt in your chest, neck, or throat.
What causes heart palpitations?
The causes can be varied, including stemming from strong emotions, medications and lifestyle factors. In some cases, palpitations may be related to a medical condition (such as various forms of tachycardia) that affects the heart or another part of the body. Overall studies have reported that palpitations seem to be quite common. Some studies found that 16% of doctor visits are due to palpitations and are the second most common reason people visit a cardiologist.
Possible causes of palpitations include:
Lifestyle factors such as:
- exhausting exercises (related to fitness or otherwise)
- excessive caffeine or alcohol intake
- nicotine from tobacco products such as cigarettes and cigars
- lack of sleep
- dehydration
- smoking
Emotional or psychological factors
- stress
- anxiety
- fear
- panic
- shock
Drugs and medication
- over-the-counter medicines, including cold and cough medicines, herbal supplements and food supplements
- prescription medicines such as asthma inhalers
- stimulants such as amphetamines and cocaine
Heart diseases
Although palpitations can be harmless, they can also be an indication of an underlying heart condition, such as:
- arrhythmia or irregular heart rhythm
- abnormal heart valves
- heart disease
- congestive heart failure
Other medical conditions
- hormonal changes due to pregnancy or menopause
- overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism
- fever
- sleep apnea
- electrolyte abnormalities
- low levels of oxygen or carbon dioxide in the blood
- blood loss
- anemia
- low blood sugar
According to some specialists, you don't necessarily need to seek medical help if the palpitations pass quickly or only happen occasionally. However, there are some cases which require immediate medical attention. You should seek a doctor's help immediately when the palpitations occur with other symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, lightheadedness, fainting, loss of consciousness, confusion, difficulty breathing, excessive sweating, pain, pressure or tightness in the chest, pain in the arms, neck, jaw or upper back, resting heart rate over 100 beats per minute, shortness of breath.
Any of these symptoms in combination with palpitations can be a sign of a serious medical condition.
Diagnosing what causes palpitations
Diagnosing what the root cause of palpitations can be very difficult, especially if it doesn't occur when you're with your doctor. To try and receive a diagnosis you should undergo a thorough physical examination.
If necessary, your doctor may refer you to a cardiologist who can order tests to help diagnose or rule out certain diseases or heart problems. These tests may include blood tests that check hormone and blood cell levels, as well as potassium and other electrolytes that can affect heart rhythm; a urine test that measures electrolyte levels, blood cell counts, hormones and blood sugar; a stress test, which involves examining your heart while your heart rate is elevated, either by walking fast on a treadmill or by taking medications that speed up your heart's activity such as a cardiogram, electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), chest x-ray, heart monitor that records your heart rate for 24 to 48 hours, electrophysiological study, which checks the electrical function of the heart, or a coronary angiography, which monitors how blood flows through the heart,
Reducing the consequences that come with palpitations
Stress and anxiety management. Incorporating relaxation techniques into your weekly routine can help reduce heart palpitations caused by stress or anxiety. There are a variety of options, with the more popular ones including increasing physical activity, breathing exercises, yoga and more.
Avoiding stimulants. Try to avoid or minimize your caffeine intake. Some illegal drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy are stimulants that can cause palpitations. In addition, some of the prescribed medications you take may contain stimulants that cause palpitations.
Watch your diet. Low blood sugar can increase your risk of heart palpitations. Replacing sugar and other simple carbohydrates with complex carbohydrates can help keep blood sugar levels stable. For example, try replacing sugary fizzy drinks, baked goods and concentrated fruit juices with whole grains and fresh fruit and vegetables.
Changing medications. If you think your medicines are contributing to your palpitations, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives. However, it is not desirable to stop taking medications without consulting a doctor.
Give up cigarettes if you smoke. According to some studies, people who smoke are at increased risk of atrial fibrillation, which is the most common cause of arrhythmia.
Limit alcohol and caffeine. Minimizing intake of energy drinks, coffee and alcoholic beverages is beneficial to overall heart health.
Prevention of palpitations. If you suffer from an underlying heart condition, it is important to speak to a doctor if palpitations also occur. If you are not sure if you have a heart condition but palpitations occur frequently or seem to last longer consult your doctor for a correct diagnosis.
Regularly monitoring your blood pressure is of the utmost importance, especially with a reliable device, such as Sendo's extensive range of clinically accurate blood pressure monitors.
This article is not a substitute for consulting your GP or cardiologist.
