Heart palpitations are the sensation that your heart is hammering, speeding, or missing heartbeats. You might experience palpitations in your neck, throat, or chest. Palpitations may occur when you're sleeping or engaging in everyday tasks. Such heart activities might be unsettling, but they are mostly harmless and not dangerous. But occasionally, they may be linked to an irregular heartbeat that requires medical care.
Although anybody may experience heart palpitations, they are more common in women and those who are assigned female at birth. Heart palpitations can occur at various points in a person's life. For instance, you may develop them throughout adolescence, pregnancy, or menopause.
It's normal to get palpitations. According to one study, palpitations were the reason why 16% of respondents saw their primary care physician. Also, heart palpitations are amongst the most common causes for people visiting a cardiologist. The duration of heart palpitations is often brief. They can occasionally linger longer, but often only endure a few seconds or minutes. Let’s learn more about heart palpitations and explore answers on why they happen and how to stop them?
What are Heart Palpitations?
Palpitations give you the sensation that your heart is fluttering, skipping a beat, or pounding excessively quickly or forcefully. Heart palpitations may be felt in your neck, throat, or chest. Although heart palpitations can be uncomfortable or alarming, they are mostly harmless and tend to go away on their own. They are typically brought on by stress and worry, as well as by consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, nicotine, or caffeine. They may also occur during pregnancy. You should consult your doctor if you often experience heart palpitations. Your doctor may advise you on certain diagnostic tests to determine the cause after reviewing your medical history and performing a physical examination, which includes listening to the sounds of your heart and lungs. The appropriate treatment might lessen or eliminate the palpitations if they are found out. Changes in lifestyle, such as stress management, can be helpful if there is no underlying cause.Also Read: Heart Palpitations at Night: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Worry
What Causes Heart Palpitations?
Heart palpitations might happen whether you're standing still, sitting or lying down, or moving around. They can continue for a few seconds. You can prevent or lessen heart palpitations with lifestyle modifications or natural therapies. The good news is that having a fast heartbeat does not always indicate a cardiac issue. Heart palpitations can occasionally be brought on by conditions like stress or sickness that increase the workload on your heart. Following are the conditions, emotions, and feelings that can be responsible for heart palpitations:- Emotions (including anxiety, stress, fear and panic)
- Exercise
- Pregnancy
- Excessive caffeine intake
- Overactive thyroid issues Low sugar, potassium or oxygen levels in the body
- Low blood carbon dioxide levels
- Fever
- Anemia
- Blood loss
- Dehydration
- Medications (like asthma inhalers, beta blockers for high blood pressure or heart disease, thyroid drugs and antiarrhythmic medicines)
- Certain cough/cold medicines (including decongestants)
- Certain herbal and nutritional supplements.
- Recreational drug (including cocaine and amphetamines)
- Nicotine
- Alcohol
How to Stop Heart Palpitations Immediately?
Learn seven at-home strategies for managing heart palpitations immediately, when to consult a doctor, and heart health advice by reading on:Try Relaxation Techniques:
Stress is a risk factor for heart problems, and it may trigger or worsen heart palpitations. That’s because stress and excitement can spike adrenaline. Managing your stress through relaxation can help. Good options include:- Meditation & mindfulness
- Tai chi
- Biofeedback techniques
- Yoga
- Deep breathing therapy
- Regular exercise
- Journaling
- Try sitting with your legs crossed and breathing slowly through your mouth and nose. Continue until you're at ease.
Do Vagal Maneuvers:
Connecting your heart and brain is just one of the vagus nerve's many functions. Using vagal movements can help regulate a rapid heartbeat by activating the vagus nerve. Before you stimulate the vagus nerve at home, you must get a doctor's approval. Some techniques for nerve stimulation include the following:- Taking cold showers
- Chant “om” or do cough or stimulate gag
- Hold your breath or bear down like you’re having a bowel movement
Drink Adequate Water:
Dehydration can cause heart palpitations. This is because when you are dehydrated, your blood thickens since it contains water. If your veins are thicker due to thick blood, your heart has to work more to pump blood through them. This might cause palpitations and an increase in your heart rate. If you experience a high heart rate, get a glass of water. If you notice that your urine is dark yellow, you should drink more fluids to prevent palpitations.Restore Electrolyte Balance:
Your body uses electrolytes to carry electrical signals. Weak electrical signals can lead to issues because they are necessary for your heart to function properly. The following electrolytes can help your heart health:- Potassium
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Sodium
Avoid Stimulants:
There are numerous factors that can increase your risk of having a rapid pulse. Your symptoms may subside or even cease if you remove these items from your everyday routine. Among them are:- Caffeine
- Tobacco or cannabis
- Excessive alcoholic beverages
- Certain cold and cough medications
- Various appetite suppressants
- Medications for the treatment of mental health conditions
- High blood pressure medications
- Certain drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, or other amphetamines
Eat a Balanced Diet:
Healthy eating is crucial for heart health in general, and there is evidence linking an irregular heartbeat to an unbalanced diet. A healthy, well-balanced diet includes:- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Fresh fruits
- Lean proteins
- Healthy fats from nuts or fish
- Saturated fats
- Trans fats
- Sugar
- Salt
- Processed or packaged foods
Exercise Regularly:
Regular exercise can help lessen problems with your heart's rhythm and is beneficial for your physical, mental, and emotional health. 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week are advised by the American Heart Association . Cardio doesn't need to be difficult. Actually, taking brisk walks can help you lose weight, lower your blood pressure, and enhance your cardiovascular health, among other health benefits.Conclusion
The sensation that your heart is hammering or racing, known as heart palpitations, can be frightening because normally you stay unaware of your heartbeat. Heart palpitations, however, are typically harmless. Heart palpitations may indicate a major medical issue if you experience additional symptoms, such as light-headedness or fainting.Choose Asian Hospital, the best cardiac hospital in Mumbai, for an accurate diagnosis and expert care from our cardiologists if you're consistently experiencing abnormal heart palpitations, as it may indicate an underlying issue. Book your consultation now!
FAQs
Q1: Are palpitations dangerous?A: Most palpitations are harmless and resolve on their own. However, if they are accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, fainting, or shortness of breath, they may indicate a serious condition and require immediate medical attention.
Q2: Can dehydration cause heart palpitations?
A: Yes, dehydration reduces blood volume, making the heart work harder to pump blood. This can trigger palpitations. Staying well-hydrated is essential, especially during exercise or in hot weather.
Q3: Can anxiety or panic attacks cause palpitations?
A: Yes, anxiety or panic attacks can activate the body's "fight-or-flight" response, releasing adrenaline and causing the heart to race. This is a common, non-dangerous cause of palpitations.
