Palpitations
Palpitations are the sensation of having a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart. They can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck. While they can be alarming, they are often harmless and may not indicate a serious problem. This section aims to provide you with essential information about palpitations, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and when to seek medical help.
What Are Palpitations?
Palpitations are feelings that your heart is skipping a beat, fluttering, or beating too hard or too fast. These sensations can occur during activity or while you are at rest.
Causes of Palpitations
Palpitations can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
- Lifestyle factors: Caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs.
- Emotions: Stress, anxiety, or panic attacks.
- Medications: Certain cold and cough medications, asthma inhalers, or thyroid medications.
- Medical conditions: Arrhythmias, thyroid disease, low blood sugar, anaemia, dehydration, fever, or hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.
- Physical exertion: Overexertion or exercise.
Symptoms
- A feeling of fluttering or a fast-beating heart
- Pounding or irregular heartbeat
- Skipped beats
- Sensation of heart racing
Diagnosis
To determine the cause of your palpitations, your healthcare provider may recommend:
- Medical history and physical exam: Discussing your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): A test that records the electrical activity of your heart.
- Holter monitor: A portable device worn for 24-48 hours to record your heart’s activity.
- Event recorder: A device used to monitor your heart activity for weeks or even months.
- Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of your heart.
- Blood tests: To check for thyroid problems, anaemia, or other conditions.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your palpitations:
- Lifestyle changes: Reducing intake of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco; managing stress and anxiety; staying hydrated; and getting regular exercise.
- Medications: Adjusting or changing medications that might be causing palpitations, or prescribing medications to control an abnormal heart rhythm.
- Medical procedures: In some cases, procedures such as ablation or surgery might be needed to treat underlying heart conditions.
When to Seek Medical Help
While palpitations are often harmless, seek medical help if you experience:
- Severe chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting or near-fainting episodes
- Severe dizziness
- Palpitations that are very frequent or worsen over time
Self-Care Tips
- Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
- Avoid stimulants like caffeine, nicotine, and certain medications.
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine.
- Stay hydrated and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
- Keep track of your palpitations, noting when they occur and what you were doing at the time.
Conclusion
Palpitations can be unsettling. Understanding the potential causes and treatments can help you manage them effectively. Always consult your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Disclaimer: This advice is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical assessment. Always consult your doctor for medical concerns and treatment.