Choose the content to read
- What are heart palpitations?
- What are the symptoms of heart palpitations?
- What causes heart palpitations?
- What diagnostic tests are there for heart palpitations?
- How are heart palpitations treated?
- Preparation before the doctor’s appointment
- Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
- A note from MedPark's doctors
Heart Palpitations
Heart palpitations are sensations of heart pounding and perception of irregular heartbeats. The prevalent causes include anxiety, pregnancy, caffeine, alcohol, or spicy food consumption. Heart palpitations are common; in most instances, they are not dangerous. However, persistent or strong palpitations should be evaluated by healthcare professionals.
What are heart palpitations?
The characteristics of heart palpitations are sensations of the heart missing beats, racing, or pounding. Palpitations can occur at any time, including during rest or usual activities. While they are often not serious or harmful, they can occasionally be associated with an abnormal heart rhythm that requires proper medical attention and treatment.
What are the symptoms of heart palpitations?
Heart palpitations are more frequent in women than men. When you have heart palpitations, you feel like your heart is racing, pounding, fluttering, or missing a beat. If you have a cardiovascular or valvular condition, symptoms of palpitations may link to heart arrhythmia.
What type of heart palpitations should prompt a visit to the doctor?
Transient and infrequent heart palpitations are usually not concerning. However, those with a history of heart disease and recurrent heart palpitations should have a proper diagnosis to prevent severe heart problems.
Seek emergency medical care if you develop chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, and dizziness.
What causes heart palpitations?
Heart palpitations may occur all day or temporarily at night. Factors that can trigger heart palpitations include:
- Anxiety, stress, fear, or panic.
- Exercise
- Pregnancy
- Consumption of spicy food or alcoholic or caffeinated beverages.
- Tobacco or substance use
- Dietary supplements
- Decongestants, asthma inhalers, thyroid medications, antiarrhythmic medicines, beta-blockers for hypertension.
- Fever, anemia, dehydration, blood loss, hyperthyroid, hypoglycemia, or low levels of potassium or oxygen.
- Lying on the side may raise blood pressure.
What diagnostic tests are there for heart palpitations?
- History taking and physical exam: Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms, diet, medications you are taking, and past medical history. The doctor may ask you to tap your fingers to imitate the palpitation rhythms.
- Blood tests to assess the risks of cardiovascular disease, including cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
- Urine tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
- Stress tests
- Echocardiogram
- Dynamic electrocardiogram monitoring
- Electrophysiology study
- Cardiac catheterization
How are heart palpitations treated?
The treatment depends on the cause of the heart palpitations. Some people may not need any treatment. Those with heart disease or irregular heartbeat usually require medications, medical devices, or surgical interventions.
How can heart palpitations be prevented?
Practice yoga, meditation, Tai chi, or biofeedback to calm your mind and body if your heart palpitations are due to stress or anxiety.
- Avoid or limit the amount of alcohol and caffeine intake.
- Stop smoking.
- Exercise regularly.
- Keep your cholesterol levels and blood pressure under control.
- Avoid dietary supplements or cough and cold medicines that cause heart palpitations.
Preparation before the doctor’s appointment
- Write down the list of the symptoms you have been experiencing, recent life changes, and medications.
- Write down your family history of health conditions including stroke, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, or heart arrhythmias.
- Write down questions that you would like to ask your doctor. For example:
- What are the causes of my symptoms?
- Will my symptoms recur?
- Do I need to undergo any tests?
- What are the treatment options? Which one do you recommend?
- How can I manage my preexisting conditions?
- Are there any restrictions I need to follow?
- Prepare answers to the questions your doctor may ask, for instance:
- When did you first experience heart palpitations?
- How often do you have the symptoms? How long do they last?
- What are you doing when you have the symptoms?
- Do they occur at the same time every day?
- Do they come and go?
- What improves or worsens your symptoms?
- Do you also experience chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting when you have heart palpitations?
- Do you have a history of heart arrhythmia?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What can I expect if I experience heart palpitations?
Most of the time, heart palpitations are not concerning, and you can continue your daily activities. However, it is advisable to have a proper diagnosis to identify the cause. - Are heart palpitations considered dangerous?
Often, it is not. However, in certain instances, it can be life-threatening. Seek medical attention if you experience heart palpitations. - Are heart palpitations a harmless occurrence?
Most often, they are common responses to stress or anxiety. However, it may be a result of heart arrhythmia. Seek a proper diagnosis. - What can you do before your doctor’s appointment?
Avoid activities that can trigger heart palpitations, such as anxiety, stress, caffeine, alcohol, energy drink consumption, and the use of cold medications. - When should you worry about heart palpitations?
Usually, heart palpitations are not concerning. But if you experience more frequent heart palpitations or other symptoms like dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and excessive sweating, seek medical help urgently.
A note from MedPark’s doctors
Heart palpitations are generally harmless. If accompanied by additional symptoms such as dizziness or fainting, it may indicate a potential severe medical issue. In such instances, it is advisable to consult with your doctor.
