Are Palpitations Serious?

Introduction

Palpitations are the sensation of a rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat. Many people describe the feeling as if their heart is fluttering, skipping beats, or pounding. While palpitations are often harmless, they can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires attention.

Possible Causes of Palpitations

Palpitations can be caused by a variety of factors, including: - Lifestyle factors: Stress, anxiety, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and certain medications. - Heart conditions: Arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), or heart valve disorders. - Medical conditions: Hyperthyroidism, anemia, dehydration, low blood sugar, and electrolyte imbalances.

When to See a Doctor

While occasional palpitations are normal, you should consult a doctor if you experience: - Frequent or persistent palpitations. - Dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or shortness of breath. - A history of heart disease.

Diagnosis and Treatment

A doctor may perform tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), a Holter monitor, blood tests, or an echocardiogram to identify the cause. Treatment depends on the underlying reason and may include lifestyle changes, medications, or specific interventions for heart rhythm disorders.

Conclusion

Most palpitations are not serious, but if they are accompanied by other symptoms or are frequent, medical evaluation is essential. Managing stress, avoiding stimulants, and staying hydrated can help reduce palpitations.

Source recommendations

1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Arrhythmias

  1. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia
  2. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
  3. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia
  4. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
  5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29084733/

2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Supraventricular Arrhythmias

  1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
  2. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/5/655/5556821
  3. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
  4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31504425/
  5. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000091380.04100.84

Our advantages:

patient2376100
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
prescription18648039
Always up-to-date information
On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
fvfflf7q
Get second opinion
Here you can learn everything that even your doctor may not know about cardiology (if he does not speak English and he does not read 117 leading medical journals on cardiology every month).
1xr4duup
The most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials
Our website contains the most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials in your country.
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.
arrow
Please register in order to receive information regarding possible complications and new approaches to treatment of cardiovascular diseases via email in our Newsletters.
arrow