What causes pounding or irregular heartbeat?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Thanks for sharing that. Let us look at your symptoms seriously but calmly.

Your main concerns:

1. Pounding heart or irregular heartbeat (comes and goes for approximately four months)

2. Migraines (taking Emgality once monthly)

3. No known past heart conditions:

What could be causing this?

There are a few possibilities to consider:

1. Migraine-related palpitations: Migraines can sometimes cause or be linked with autonomic nervous system changes, which may lead to palpitations or irregular heartbeats. Emgality (Galcanezumab) typically does not affect the heart directly, but everyone reacts differently; some report palpitations or increased heart rate as a rare side effect.

2. Anxiety or stress: A very common cause of pounding or irregular heartbeat. Sometimes, you do not feel stressed mentally, but your body can still react physically.

3. Electrolyte imbalance or dehydration: If you are not drinking enough fluids or have poor nutrition, it can affect your heartbeat rhythm.

4. Heart rhythm issue (arrhythmia): It could be something mild like PVCs (premature ventricular contractions) or PACs (premature atrial contractions); these feel like a flutter or skipped beat. Still, it is important to rule out anything more serious, like atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias.

What you should do next:

See a doctor or cardiologist, especially since this has lasted four months. Ask for:

1. ECG (electrocardiogram).

2. Possibly a 24-hour Holter monitor to catch irregular episodes.

3. Blood tests (check thyroid, electrolytes, etc.).

Track your symptoms:

1. When does it happen?

2. Is there shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest pain with it?

Lifestyle checks:

1. Reduce caffeine or stimulants (coffee, energy drinks, etc.).

2. Stay hydrated.

3. Sleep well.

4. Check blood pressure occasionally.

I hope this helps.

Take care.

Regards.