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Heart palpitations

Heart palpitations are feeling your heart beat rapidly, flutter, or pound. It might indicate a heart condition and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. You might feel a vibration in the chest and neck. In this, we will study the causes, types, conditions, tests, and treatments.

Heart palpitations Key Points
CausesHeart Disease, Arrythmias, Thyroid disorders
RemediesLifestyle changes, Supportive care, Psychological support
Preventive OptionsAvoid triggers, Lifestyle chnages, Monitor heart rate
Treatment OptionsMedications(Beta-blockers, Calcium Channel Blockers), Cardiac Ablation
SpecialistCardiologist

Heart palpitations are when you can feel your heart beating fast, really hard, or strangely. It can feel like your heart is fluttering or skipping a beat. It can be scary, but most of the time, it's not anything serious. Sometimes it happens because you're feeling anxious or stressed or if you've had too much caffeine or alcohol. Sometimes it's because of a medical condition like anemia or an overactive thyroid. Therefore, it is essential to learn bout heart palpitation.

Other Symptoms that come with heart palpitations

Other Symptoms that come with heart palpitations

An abnormal sensation of the heart beating characterizes heart palpitations. The symptoms can include:

  1. Rapid heartbeat - A feeling that your heart is beating too fast or too rigid.
  2. Skipped beats - A feeling that your heart has missed a beat.
  3. Fluttering sensation -  A feeling that your heart is fluttering.
  4. Chest discomfort - Tightness, pressure, or pain in your chest.
  5. Shortness of breath: - Difficulty breathing or feeling out of breath.
  6. Sweating - Excessive sweating or feeling clammy.
  7. Dizziness - Lightheadedness or feeling like you might faint.
  8. Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak.

The Types of Heart palpitations

There are several types of heart palpitations, each with its own set of causes and characteristics. Some of the most common types include

  1. Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs): These are extra heartbeats that originate from the ventricles, the lower chambers of the heart. They can cause a skipped beat or a fluttering sensation.
  2. Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT): These are episodes of rapid heart rate that originate from the upper chambers of the heart. They can cause a rapid heartbeat or fluttering sensation.
  3. Atrial fibrillation (AFib): This is a type of irregular heartbeat that originates from the atria, the upper chambers of the heart. It can cause a rapid heartbeat, fluttering sensation, or skipped beats.
  4. Sinus tachycardia: This is a normal response of the heart to certain stimuli such as exercise, stress or fever, it's a rapid heart rate that originates from the sinoatrial (SA) node, the natural pacemaker of the heart.
  5. Non-cardiac palpitations: These are palpitations that are not caused by heart-related issues, but rather by other conditions such as anxiety, hyperthyroidism, or anemia.

Conditions that cause Heart palpitations

Many conditions cause heart palpitations as a symptom. Some examples are given in the following.

Heart disease

The conditions such as Coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, or cardiomyopathies can cause palpitations.

Arrhythmias

Abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, or premature ventricular contractions can cause palpitations.

Thyroid disorders

An overactive thyroid can cause palpitations due to an increase in heart rate.

Anemia

This condition can cause palpitations due to low oxygen levels in the blood.

Electrolyte imbalances

Abnormal levels of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, or calcium in the blood can cause palpitations.

Medications

Some medications can cause palpitations as a side effect, such as decongestants, asthma medications, or some antidepressants.

Caffeine and alcohol

Consuming too much caffeine or alcohol can cause palpitations.

Heart palpitations are feeling your heart beat rapidly, flutter, or pound. A variety of factors, including the following, can cause them.

Anxiety or stress

Emotional stress can cause an increase in heart rate, leading to palpitations.

Hormonal changes

As you are wondering, hormonal changes could cause heart palpitation. However, it is true because in some cases, like pregnancy, menopause, or taking certain medications, it can cause heart palpitations.

Caffeine and nicotine

Consuming large amounts of caffeine or nicotine can cause an increase in heart rate, leading to palpitations.

Medications

Some medications, such as decongestants, asthma medications, and thyroid hormones, can cause palpitations.

Electrolyte imbalances

Electrolyte imbalances, such as low potassium or magnesium levels, can cause palpitations.

Thyroid disorders

Hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid, can cause an increase in heart rate, leading to palpitations.

Cardiac arrhythmias

Heart palpitations can be a symptom of an underlying heart condition, such as atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, or ventricular tachycardia.

Anemia

Low levels of iron in the blood, which can cause anemia, can cause palpitations.

Alcohol or drug use

Consuming large amounts of alcohol or using certain recreational drugs can cause palpitations.

Diagnostic Tests for Heart palpitations

The diagnosis of heart palpitations typically begins with a physical examination and a review of the patient's symptoms and medical history.

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Holter monitor
  • Event monitor
  • Echocardiogram
  • Exercise stress test
  • Blood tests

Treatment for Heart palpitations

Treatment for heart palpitations typically depends on the underlying cause, but some general treatment options are mentioned down below.

Treating the underlying condition

If the heart palpitations are caused by an underlying medical condition, treating that condition can help to improve the vibrations.

Medications

Some medications indeed have side effects. For example, albuterol, amlodipine, and armodafinil cause pulses depending on the underlying cause. Some examples are included down below.

Beta-blockers

These medications slow down the heart rate and can help to reduce palpitations caused by anxiety or heart arrhythmias.

Calcium channel blockers

These medications can help relax the muscles in the heart and blood vessels and can treat palpitations caused by certain arrhythmias.

Anti-arrhythmic medications

These medications are used to treat specific types of heart arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia.

Digoxin

This medication is generally prescribed to treat certain heart arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation.

Iron supplements

If anemia is causing the palpitations, taking iron supplements can help to raise the iron levels in the blood.

Thyroid hormone replacement

If an underactive thyroid is causing the palpitations, taking thyroid hormone replacement can help to regulate the thyroid function.

Lifestyle changes

It is crucial to modify diet, exercise, and sleep habits, and avoiding triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine can help to prevent palpitations.

Supportive care

A healthcare professional may recommend psychological support or counseling to help people cope with the emotional or psychological causes of palpitations.

Cardiac ablation

This procedure uses radiofrequency energy or cryo-energy to destroy small areas of the heart tissue, causing abnormal heart rhythm.

Surgery

Surgery may be an option for some individuals with heart palpitations caused by certain underlying conditions. Some examples include the following.

Catheter ablation

This procedure uses a catheter to destroy small areas of heart tissue. You must be wondering why? This is important to maintain the heart rhythm.

Maze procedure

This surgical procedure creates a series of small incisions in the heart to help regulate abnormal heart rhythms.

Pacemaker or defibrillator implantation

If a slow heart rate causes palpitations, a pacemaker may be implanted to help regulate the heart rate. If a fast heart rate causes palpitations, a defibrillator may be implanted to help regulate the heart rate.

Coronary artery bypass surgery

This surgery treats narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, which can cause irregular heartbeats or palpitations.

The Preventive Care for Heart palpitations

Preventive measures for heart palpitations include the following.

Managing underlying medical conditions

Many chronic heart diseases, congestive heart failure, heart disease, and thyroid disorders exist. Working with your healthcare professional to manage the condition and prevent palpitations is essential.

Making lifestyle changes

Eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol and caffeine intake, and getting enough sleep can help to prevent palpitations.

Avoiding triggers

If you know that certain things trigger your palpitations, such as stress, certain foods, or medications, try to avoid them.

Monitoring your heart rate

If you're experiencing palpitations, you can purchase devices to monitor the heart rate and bring the information to your healthcare professional.

Medications

If you are taking medications that may cause palpitations, speak with your healthcare professional about the side effects. Your doctor may modify the dose and frequency according to the side effects.

When to see a doctor

It's a good idea to see a healthcare professional if you have persistent or recurrent heart palpitations or if you experience any of the following symptoms given in the following.

  • Palpitations that last more than a few minutes
  • Chest discomfort or chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Fainting
  • Persistent rapid heartbeat
  • Palpitations that occur with other symptoms such as sweating or fatigue
  • Palpitations that occur after starting a new medication
  • Palpitations that occur during physical activity or exercise
  • Palpitations that are accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting

Heart palpitations Doctors

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If you have heart palpitations and are concerned about your health, it is important to seek immediate medical attention from a qualified heart palpitations doctor. A doctor specializing in treating heart palpitations, such as a Cardiologist, would be the right health professional to consult.

Here is a list of Top verified doctors for heart palpitations. You can book an appointment with one to start your heart palpitations treatment today.

Dr. George Cherian, Cardiologist in

Dr. George Cherian

Senior Consultant - Cardiology

65 Years of experience

10 Feedbacks

Narayana Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Bommasandra, Bangalore

Rs. 2,000 Consult Fees

Dr. SC Munsi, Cardiologist in

Dr. SC Munsi

Director - Cardiology

60 Years of experience

5 Feedbacks

Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai

Rs. 2,500 Consult Fees

Dr. Mahesh Chandra Garg, Cardiologist in

Dr. Mahesh Chandra Garg

Senior Consultant - Cardiology

55 Years of experience

1 Feedbacks

Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Sarita Vihar, Delhi NCR

Rs. 1,800 Consult Fees

Heart palpitations Hospitals

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A hospital can provide various services to help diagnose and treat your heart palpitations. If you are experiencing heart palpitations In that case, it is important to visit a heart palpitations hospital for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Check a list of Top Hospitals for heart palpitations treatment.

Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai

Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai

Multi Speciality Hospital

4.9
4.9 out of 5 stars(1658 Reviews)

Established in 1918

🛌345 Beds

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Nanavati Hospital, Vile Parle, Mumbai

Nanavati Hospital, Vile Parle, Mumbai

Super Speciality Hospital

4.7
4.7 out of 5 stars(1134 Reviews)

Established in 1950

🛌350 Beds

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Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, Kolkata

Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, Kolkata

Multi Speciality Hospital

4.8
4.8 out of 5 stars(1526 Reviews)

Established in 1962

🛌1000 Beds

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions and answers about heart palpitations.

Are heart palpitations serious?

The majority of heart palpitations are not serious, but in some cases, they can indicate an underlying medical condition that requires treatment. It's always best to consult a healthcare professional if you have persistent or recurrent palpitations.

How can I stop heart palpitations?

You can try to stop heart palpitations by practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation, avoiding triggers such as caffeine or alcohol, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep. If your heart palpitations persist or are severe, seek medical attention.

What are the causes of heart palpitations?

Heart palpitations can be caused by a variety of factors such as underlying medical conditions, medications, stress, caffeine or alcohol consumption, or electrolyte imbalances.

When should I worry about heart palpitations?

You should worry about heart palpitations if they are accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or fainting. Additionally, if you have a history of heart disease, you should seek medical attention if you experience heart palpitations.

Are heart palpitations a sign of a heart attack?

Not always. Heart palpitations can be a symptom of a heart attack, but they can also be caused by other conditions such as anxiety, hyperthyroidism, or anemia. It's always best to consult a healthcare professional if you have persistent or recurrent palpitations.

What does a heart palpitation feel like?

A heart palpitation can feel like a fluttering or racing sensation in the chest, as if the heart is skipping a beat or beating too hard or too fast. Some people may also experience a pounding or heavy sensation in the chest, and the palpitations may be accompanied by shortness of breath or dizziness.

Heart palpitations Patient Reviews

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Reviews by patients on different.

Heart palpitationsReview 1

Narendra Natth Sikder

Medanta The Medicity

Doctor ,There are no words to thank and describe ,Most dedicated and far sightedness. The hospital should be proud to have such person Perfect in Admission caring personally doing Ecg. Such doctor can revive and give new life to patients. Almighty God bless him Health to serve humanity I will leave no opportunity to tell our people of North East I being Vice president of Lions Club of Gauhati Trustee of Lions Eye Hospital Grief counselor Shankerdev Netralaya for Eye donation Advisor to SIKH Pratinidhi Board North East Patron to Gauhati Press Club I will leave no opportunity to tell the truth to the residents of North East about devotion and dedication of the Doctor and staff of the hospital. It's my privilege and my luck to be here. We had heard of the hospital that their service and hospitality was not good. But I shall surely write in all newspaper and inform that what people said was Totally wrong and the misuderstanding. The services and care is best I pray God bless Dr

Heart palpitationsReview 2

Anandita

My father went for a health check up alone at Kokilaben hospital. He was doing stess test and he developed Anterior wall Myocardial infarction (Major heart attack). Thanks to immediate attention by Dr. Pravin Kahale and his team who took my father immediately for Emergency angioplasty even though we were at home. In a heart attack, every minute delay leads to damage to heart muscle and has long term consequences of a weak heart. My father had good salvage and early prompt action lead to preserve heart pumping. Dr. Kahale is an excellent doctor. He has very deep knowledge. He writes few but best medications. He also makes us understand complex things in simple language. Our entire family would strongly recommend Dr. Kahale as a cardiolgist who can deliver the best in most complex cardiac issues. He is always accessible to the entire family and is only a phone call/ message away and resolves all the queries. Highly recommended!

Heart palpitationsReview 3

Dr. Bhabendra Nath Kalita

Dr. Venkatesh treated my dad with utmost care. Although my dad & his reports were not in station, he eagerly looked into the Angiogram video (done in a different place) of my father in my mobile and suggesting corrective treatments. He patiently advised me many things and repeated them again & again for my better understanding. The operation was done by Dr. Girish and although it was critical, it was successful. Dr. Venkatesh has visited us many times during our stay at the hospital despite his busy schedule to inquire about the wellbeing of my father. During the follow-up visits, Dr. Venkatesh has examined my Dad with utmost details, gave proper advice, and suggested & changed medicine courses to suit my dad's body as he has high blood pressure & diabetics. I wish him great success in his career and love of his patients.

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