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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Are Palpitations Normal?
Introduction
Palpitations are sensations of a rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat. Some people describe them as a fluttering, pounding, or skipped beat feeling in the chest.
When Are Palpitations Considered Normal?
Palpitations can be a normal response to certain triggers, such as: - Physical exertion (e.g., exercise, stress) - Emotional stress or anxiety - Caffeine or stimulant consumption (e.g., coffee, energy drinks) - Alcohol or nicotine use - Hormonal changes (e.g., pregnancy, menopause) - Certain medications (e.g., decongestants, asthma inhalers)
If palpitations occur occasionally and stop on their own, they are usually not a cause for concern.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Persistent or severe palpitations may indicate an underlying heart condition. Consider seeking medical help if you experience: - Palpitations lasting for several minutes or occurring frequently - Dizziness or fainting - Shortness of breath - Chest pain or discomfort - A history of heart disease or family history of sudden cardiac arrest
Possible Medical Causes of Palpitations
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats such as atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, or ectopic beats)
- Electrolyte imbalances (low potassium or magnesium)
- Thyroid disorders (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism)
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Heart disease (such as coronary artery disease or heart failure)
What Can You Do?
If palpitations are bothersome but not dangerous, lifestyle modifications may help: - Reduce caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine intake - Manage stress with relaxation techniques - Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet - Exercise regularly, but avoid excessive strain
If in doubt, consult a doctor to rule out serious conditions.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association - Guidelines for Arrhythmias and Palpitations
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/symptoms-diagnosis--monitoring-of-arrhythmia
2. European Society of Cardiology - Guidelines on Cardiac Arrhythmias and Palpitations
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000091380.04100.84
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.