Have you ever felt your heart racing when you’re supposed to be relaxed? I mean you were not involved in any physical exertion, exercise or anxious about anything.
You may be experiencing something called palpitations. Don’t take it for granted. Learn more about it on this post.
Palpitations are the sensation of feeling your own heartbeat. They often present as a fluttering, pounding, or irregular pulse, and can be alarming, though not always dangerous.
Many people describe palpitations as if their heart is racing, skipping beats, or throbbing against their chest wall. While they can be caused by stress or anxiety, sometimes they are a sign of underlying heart or systemic conditions.
Let us talk about the potential causes, symptoms, and treatment options, so if you’re experiencing palpitations, you can take the right steps to protect your health and peace of mind.
Palpitations can arise from a variety of factors, ranging from benign triggers to more serious health conditions:
- Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress, anxiety, or panic attacks can trigger palpitations as part of the body’s “fight-or-flight” response.
- Stimulants: Consuming caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, or certain medications (like decongestants or weight-loss pills) can accelerate heart rate and cause palpitations.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause are known causes of palpitations.
- Medical Conditions: Heart-related conditions like arrhythmias, blood clot in the lungs, hyperthyroidism, anemia, low blood sugar, or dehydration can all trigger palpitations.
Palpitations can sometimes be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying cause. They may include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or tightness
- Sweating
- Fainting or near-fainting episodes
These symptoms may indicate a more serious issue that requires immediate medical attention.
Given the variety of causes, diagnosing palpitations requires a comprehensive evaluation. Your doctor will do a full examination of your chest and heart. Blood tests, ECG, chest x-ray and scans may be done on your heart.
Some possible differential diagnoses include:
- Arrhythmias: Conditions like atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, or premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) can all cause palpitations.
- Thyroid Disorders: Hyperthyroidism can accelerate heart rate, leading to palpitations.
- Anaemia: Low red blood cell counts can force the heart to work harder, causing palpitations.
- Electrolyte Imbalances: Low potassium or magnesium levels can disrupt the heart’s rhythm.
- Panic Disorders: Recurrent panic attacks can cause palpitations along with anxiety and chest discomfort.
Given the variety of causes, diagnosing palpitations requires a comprehensive evaluation. Your doctor will do a full examination of your chest and heart. Blood tests, ECG, chest x-ray and scans may be done on your heart.
Some possible differential diagnoses include:
- Arrhythmias: Conditions like atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, or premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) can all cause palpitations.
- Thyroid Disorders: Hyperthyroidism can accelerate heart rate, leading to palpitations.
- Anaemia: Low red blood cell counts can force the heart to work harder, causing palpitations.
- Electrolyte Imbalances: Low potassium or magnesium levels can disrupt the heart’s rhythm.
- Panic Disorders: Recurrent panic attacks can cause palpitations along with anxiety and chest discomfort.
Treatment for palpitations depends largely on the underlying cause. If palpitations are due to lifestyle factors, simple changes like reducing caffeine or stress management techniques can help.
However, if a more serious condition like arrhythmia is responsible, medical interventions may include:
- Medications: Beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or anti-arrhythmic drugs may be prescribed.
- Lifestyle Changes: Managing stress, avoiding stimulants, and practicing relaxation techniques can reduce occurrences.
- Procedures: For persistent or dangerous arrhythmias, procedures like catheter ablation or even pacemaker insertion may be necessary.
Prevention of palpitations often revolves around addressing modifiable risk factors:
- Avoid stimulants like caffeine and nicotine.
- Manage stress through relaxation exercises, yoga, or meditation.
- Ensure balanced electrolytes by staying hydrated and eating a nutritious diet.
In terms of prognosis, most palpitations are benign and manageable. However, palpitations caused by underlying heart conditions should not be ignored, as they can be life-threatening without proper treatment. Regular check-ups and prompt medical evaluation if symptoms worsen are key.
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