Heart Palpitations

When your heartbeat becomes more noticeable to you because your heart is racing or pounding, it is medically defined as heart palpitations. The pounding heartbeats may continue for a few seconds or minutes but generally subside on their own.

Heart palpitations are not a cause for concern by themselves. However, if they are accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath or dizziness, it may be linked to other medical conditions. In such as case, you should seek emergency medical care as soon as possible.

Studies estimate that about 16% of visits to a doctor are because of heart palpitations. Heart palpitations are also the second most common reason that people visit a cardiologist.

Heart palpitations feel like your heart is beating too hard or fast, skipping a beat, or fluttering in your chest. Irregular heartbeats or arrhythmias can also make your heart palpitate. Heart palpitations may also be felt in the throat or neck area.

Although palpitations can feel somewhat frightening, they are usually harmless. However, if you have a history of heart disease and have frequent or worsening incidents of heart palpitations, please get an appointment with a cardiologist.

If your heart palpitations occur with any of the following symptoms, it may be due to a heart condition, and you should seek emergency care immediately.

• Discomfort or pain in the chest
• Dizziness or fainting
• Severe shortness of breath

Heart palpitations may be caused due to a range of factors. The most common causes include:

• Strenuous exercise, lack of sleep, or dehydration
• Consumption of alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and recreational drugs
• Strong emotional responses like stress, excitement, anxiety, or fear
• A side effect of medications, such as decongestants and asthma inhalers, other prescription medication, or nutritional supplements
• Abnormal electrolyte levels

Heart palpitations may also be caused due to medical conditions, such as:

• Heart arrhythmia
• Abnormal heart valves
• Heart disease
• Congestive heart failure
• Low blood oxygen levels
• Anemia
• Low blood sugar
• Fever
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• Hormone changes due to pregnancy or menopause

Your doctor will get your medical history and conduct a thorough physical examination during your consultation. They will also want to know about your lifestyle, current medications, and symptoms.

Identifying a pattern for your symptoms can help diagnose the cause of heart palpitations. Additionally, diagnostic tests may be ordered. These include:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG) to check your heart's electrical signals while at rest and during physical exercise.
• Chest X-rays to check for any changes to your lungs caused by a heart condition.
• Echocardiogram (echo) to get an ultrasound image of your heart’s functioning.
• Blood test to check hormone levels.

The doctor may also use other monitoring devices to monitor your heart’s electrical signals over a longer duration.

Heart palpations require treatment only if caused by an underlying medical condition. In such a case, your doctor will recommend medication and treatment for managing the medical condition.

If a medical condition does not cause your heart palpitations, you should be able to manage their occurrence by:

• Exploring relaxation techniques to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Minimizing consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and other recreational drugs.
• Following a healthy diet to ensure your blood sugar levels are stable.
• Quitting smoking.

If you are experiencing repeated instances of racing heartbeat and discomfort in the chest, you may have heart palpitations. Please call Sydnor Cardiovascular Center to schedule a cardiology consultation with Dr. Lilian Ahiable.

At Sydnor Cardiovascular Center, we provide expert care for people with all types of cardiac concerns. Entrust your heart health with Dr. Ahiable and our team.

To schedule an appointment, call us at 727-300-2282 or request an appointment online.