Occasional fluttering, pounding, or fast beating of the heart refers to heart palpitations. This condition can be either harmless or worrisome, so it is essential to pay attention to it. While it is usually not a cause for concern, it can sometimes indicate a health condition such as arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). Heart palpitations can also cause neck, throat, or chest sensations and can occur suddenly, regardless of physical activity or rest.
When do heart palpitations occur?
Previously, the belief was that women were more susceptible to heart palpitations, but research has proved otherwise. The exact point of time when heart palpitations occur varies between individuals. They can arise during various phases and stages of life, including pregnancy, menopause, and even in teenage years. Heart palpitation is also one of the main reasons why people consult with a cardiologist.
What causes heart palpitations?
The most common causes that lead to heart palpitations are:
- Stress, depression, and anxiety
- Intense emotional experiences such as panic attacks,
- Fever
- Strenuous exercises
- Changes in hormones during pregnancy
- Menopause or even menstruation
- Use of stimulants such as caffeine, etc.
- Excessively high or low thyroid hormone level
- Heart problems such as arrhythmia
- A history of heart attack,
- Previous heart surgery
- Structural changes in the heart
- Low carbon dioxide, oxygen, potassium, or sugar levels
- Anemia
- Dehydration,
- Blood loss
- Unregulated consumption of some nutritional or herbal supplements
Signs and symptoms
Heart palpitations can manifest via various symptoms. They include:
- Feelings of the heart-pounding
- Heart beating too fast
- Flip-flopping
- Skipping beats
- Having an extra beat
- Fluttering rapidly
These symptoms generally last for a few seconds or some minutes. However, they can persist for longer occasionally. As per experts, medical attention is unnecessary if you experience heart palpitations that only occur sometimes, and even when they do, they pass quickly.
However, heart palpitations can sometimes indicate an abnormal heart valve or heart disease, and the following are some symptoms to be watchful about.
- Overall weakness
- Prone to fainting
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Difficulty in breathing
- Excessive sweating, shortness of breath
- Pain in the neck, chest, jaw, upper back, or the arms
- Strong downward pressure that tightens
- Pain in the chest
- Resting pulse rate that exceeds 100 beats per minute
Treatment options
Treatment for heart palpitations generally entails considering an underlying heart condition that might be the cause. Experts say this condition is generally of two kinds: one harmless, whereas the other might point to heart disease the individual may or may not be aware of and need medical attention. So, for proper diagnosis, your doctor will conduct physical examinations, ask questions about your medical history, and listen to your heartbeats through a stethoscope.
The healthcare provider may look for signs of exacerbating heart conditions, such as a swollen thyroid gland. They may then conduct additional tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), Holter monitoring, event recording, and echocardiograms. Medical care will also include treatment for the palpitations if a condition is detected.
Thus, if heart palpitations do not have an underlying cause, the treatment generally focuses on arresting the triggers causing the abnormal heartbeat. This approach includes tips on avoiding and reducing stress and refraining from consuming stimulants.
