Heart palpitations are sudden, noticeable, abnormal heartbeat sensations, which may feel like a skipped heartbeat, an extra heartbeat, a fluttering sensation in the chest or a racing heartbeat. Palpitations can take a person by surprise and feel unpleasant, but they are very common and unlikely to be dangerous or due to an underlying heart problem.
What Causes Heart Palpitations?
Palpitations are usually harmless and caused by a number of things, for instance:
- Fear, panic, anxiety, stress and other strong emotions
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation and the perimenopausal period
- Vigorous exercise
- Excessive caffeine intake from coffee, tea, cola or chocolate
- Nicotine
- Medications such as beta blockers, thyroid medications, asthma inhalers, decongestants, over-the-counter cold and cough medicines, diet pills, herbal remedies and nutritional supplements
- Illegal drugs such as amphetamines and cocaine
- Medical conditions including fever, dehydration, low blood sugar, an overactive thyroid gland, anaemia, low blood oxygen levels, low blood carbon dioxide levels and shock
When are Heart Palpitations Dangerous?
Although heart palpitations are not likely to be serious, they may indicate an abnormal heart rhythm, also known as an arrhythmia. Heart disease, risk factors for heart disease, an abnormal heart valve, heart muscle problems and electrolyte abnormalities increase the risk of an arrhythmia.
Diagnostic tests may be required to determine if palpitations are caused by an abnormal heart rhythm. If so, often no treatment will be needed, but if treatment is necessary, medications or surgery can correct underlying problems.
Seek medical attention immediately if heart palpitations are accompanied by:
- Pain or tightness in the chest, upper back, arms, neck or jaw
- Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or other factors associated with a risk of heart disease
- Fainting or feeling faint
- Breathing difficulties
- Lightheadedness, dizziness or confusion
- Unusual sweating
- A pulse rate exceeding 100 beats per minute
- Feeling more than six extra heartbeats per minute
- Palpitations which feel different to others previously experienced
How to Stop Heart Palpitations
To help stop or reduce the incidence of heart palpitations, consider the following lifestyle changes:
- Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake
- Stopping smoking
- Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet
- Decreasing stress and anxiety by practicing relaxation and deep breathing exercises, yoga or tai chi
- Taking regular exercise
- Avoiding activities and medications which seem to cause palpitations
- Treating medical conditions that trigger palpitations
- Monitoring and controlling blood pressure and lowering cholesterol levels
Numerous things can cause heart palpitations, although sometimes the cause is not obvious. If palpitations are causing worry, it is wise to get them checked by a doctor to rule out more serious health problems. For help with relieving anxiety, read Natural Remedies to Alleviate Anxiety.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Resources:
Cleveland Clinic. "Arrhythmia: Heart Palpitations" (Accessed 18th January 2011).
MedlinePlus. "Heart Palpitations" (Accessed 18th January 2011).
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. "Palpitations" (Accessed 18th January 2011).
Sharon Kirby - Sharon is a freelance health writer and contributes to various print and online publications. Writing credits include Nursing Times, Good ...
