Relief From Heart Palpitations: An Overview

Introduction

Heart palpitations are the sensation that the heart is beating too fast, hard, or irregularly. Various factors, including stress, exercise, medication side effects, or underlying medical conditions, can cause them. Heart palpitations are the sensation of speeding, hammering, or missing beats. In addition, a person may experience chest, throat, or neck palpitations.

Even when a person is sleeping or going about daily activities, palpitations might strike at any time. Palpitations are typically not dangerous or damaging, even though they might be frightening. However, they may occasionally be connected to a heart rhythm disorder that requires medical care.

How Common Are Palpitations of the Heart?

Heart palpitations frequently occur. According to one study, 16 percent of patients went to their primary care physician because they were experiencing palpitations. Additionally, one of the most typical reasons people contact a cardiologist is for heart palpitations.

Who Is Affected by Heart Palpitation?

Heart palpitations can affect anyone, although they are more frequent in women and those assigned to females at birth. In addition, heart palpitations can occur to people at various points in their life. For instance, a person can develop them as a teenager, pregnant, or throughout menopause.

What Are the Causes of Heart Palpitation?

Heart palpitations are usually caused by changes in the heart rate or rhythm, which can be due to various factors, including:

• Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress and anxiety can cause the heart to race, leading to palpitations.

• Caffeine, Alcohol, and Tobacco: They can stimulate the heart and cause palpitations.

• Medication Side Effects: Some medications, such as decongestants, asthma medications, and diet pills, can cause heart palpitations.

• Thyroid Problems: An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause heart palpitations, as well as other symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and sweating.

• Electrolyte Imbalances: Heart palpitations can be brought on by electrolyte abnormalities, such as low potassium or magnesium levels.

• Anemia: Anemia, or having too few red blood cells, can cause palpitations in the heart, exhaustion, and shortness of breath.

• Heart Problems: Heart problems, such as arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), heart valve problems, and heart disease, can cause heart palpitations.

• Hormonal Changes: Changes during pregnancy, menopause, or from taking birth control pills can cause heart palpitations.

What Are the Symptoms of Heart Palpitation?

Heart palpitations can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Rapid or Fluttering Heartbeat: Feel like the heart is racing, pounding, or skipping beats.

• Chest Discomfort: The patient may feel tightness, pressure, or pain in the chest.

• Shortness of Breath: Patients may feel unable to catch their breath.

• Lightheadedness or Dizziness: A person will feel unsteady or might faint.

• Sweating: A person may break out into a sweat, even if they are not physically active.

• Nausea: A person may feel sick to the stomach.

• Fatigue: A person may feel tired or weak.

What Are the Complications of Heart Palpitations?

Possible problems for palpitations brought on by a cardiac disease include:

• Fainting: Blood pressure can fall if the heart beats quickly, making a person faint. People with a heart condition, such as congenital heart disease or specific valve issues, are more likely to experience this.

• Coronary Arrest: Rarely, life-threatening cardiac issues can produce vibrations and stop the heart from pumping properly.

• Stroke: Blood can pool and lead to clot formation if vibrations are brought on by atrial fibrillation, a disease in which the heart's top chambers quiver instead of beating normally. A stroke may result from a loose clot blocking a brain artery.

• Heart Attack: Several arrhythmias can decrease the heart's ability to pump blood.

How to Diagnose Heart Palpitation?

To diagnose the cause of heart palpitations, a doctor will start by taking a thorough medical history and performing a physical examination. They might also carry out one or more of the diagnostic procedures listed below:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. It can help detect heart palpitations and determine if an arrhythmia causes them.

• Echocardiogram: A test called an echocardiography creates pictures of the heart using ultrasound technology. It can help detect heart valve problems or other structural abnormalities causing heart palpitations.

• Holter Monitor: For 24 to 48 hours, a portable device known as a Holter monitor can be worn to continuously track heart rate and rhythm. It can help identify the cause of heart palpitations that may not be apparent during a one-time ECG.

• Blood Tests: Blood tests can help determine if an underlying medical condition, such as anemia, electrolyte imbalances, or thyroid problems, is causing heart palpitations.

• Tilt Table Test: Neuro cardiogenic syncope is a kind of arrhythmia that is diagnosed with a tilt table test. During the test, the patient has to lie on a table slowly tilted to an upright position to simulate standing.

How to Stop Heart Palpitations?

To manage heart palpitations, it is essential to identify and address the underlying cause. Here are some specific steps they can take:

• Relaxation Techniques: Regularly using relaxation methods like progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, or meditation can help lower stress and anxiety as well as stop heart palpitations.

• Avoid Triggers: Avoiding triggers that can cause heart palpitations, such as caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, can help reduce the frequency and severity of the symptoms.

• Stay Hydrated: Maintaining hydration and drinking enough water can help stop heart palpitations.

• Exercise Regularly: Exercise on a regular basis can assist control heart rate and lessen heart palpitations. Attempt to engage in physical exercise most days of the week for at least 30 minutes.

• Medication Adjustment: The doctor may be able to change the dose or prescribe a new prescription if the patient's medication is the cause of their heart palpitations.

• Treat Underlying Medical Conditions: Treating the underlying disease might help manage the symptoms if heart palpitations are brought on by an underlying medical condition, such as anemia, electrolyte imbalances, or thyroid issues.

• Cardiac Evaluation: A cardiac test, comprising an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography, or Holter monitor, may be advised by the doctor if heart palpitations are brought on by a heart issue, such as an arrhythmia or heart disease. Depending on the findings, they could suggest medication, a specialist referral, or a change in lifestyle to assist manage the symptoms.

Are Heart Palpitations Dangerous?

Heart palpitations themselves are usually not dangerous, but they can be a symptom of a severe medical condition. Heart palpitations may also occasionally be a symptom of a deeper heart issue, such as an arrhythmia, a heart valve issue, or a heart disease. Therefore, if they are experiencing persistent or severe heart palpitations, they must see a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.

Conclusion

Heart palpitations can cause a feeling of hammering or racing heart. It can be frightening because the patients are often unaware of their heartbeat. However, heart palpitations are typically not harmful. Any additional symptoms, such as lightheadedness or fainting when experiencing heart palpitations, may indicate a significant medical condition. In that circumstance, the patient needs to inform a healthcare professional.