Continuous Heart Palpitations: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction

Heart palpitations are a common symptom that people describe as a rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat. While occasional palpitations are usually harmless, continuous or persistent palpitations may indicate an underlying heart condition that requires medical attention.

Possible Causes

Continuous heart palpitations can be caused by various factors, including:

1. Cardiac Causes:

   • Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), such as atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), or ventricular tachycardia.
   • Structural heart diseases (e.g., cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease).
   • Coronary artery disease leading to reduced blood supply to the heart.

2. Non-cardiac Causes:

   • Anxiety or panic disorders.
   • Hyperthyroidism (excessive thyroid hormone levels).
   • Electrolyte imbalances (low potassium or magnesium).
   • Stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine, or certain medications.
   • Anemia (low red blood cell count).

When to Seek Medical Help

You should consult a doctor if you experience:

• Palpitations lasting for an extended period or occurring frequently.
• Dizziness, fainting, or shortness of breath.
• Chest pain or discomfort.
• A history of heart disease or other medical conditions that could contribute to palpitations.

Diagnostic Approach

A cardiologist will likely use the following methods to evaluate continuous heart palpitations:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Measures electrical activity of the heart.
• Holter monitor – A wearable ECG device to track palpitations over 24-48 hours.
• Echocardiogram – Ultrasound imaging of the heart’s structure and function.
• Laboratory tests – To check for thyroid function, anemia, and electrolyte levels.
• Stress test – Evaluates how the heart responds to exertion.

Treatment Options

The treatment will depend on the underlying cause:

• Medications: Beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or anti-arrhythmic drugs.
• Lifestyle changes: Reducing caffeine, stress management, and maintaining a healthy diet.
• Catheter ablation: A procedure that targets abnormal electrical pathways in the heart.
• Pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for severe arrhythmias.

Conclusion

Continuous heart palpitations should not be ignored, as they might indicate a serious underlying condition. Consulting a cardiologist for proper evaluation and management is essential.

Source recommendations

1. American Heart Association - Arrhythmia Guidelines

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://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines/algorithms

2. European Society of Cardiology - 2020 Guidelines on Atrial Fibrillation

1. https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Guidelines/Documents/ehaa612.pdf
2. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/5/373/5899003
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860505/
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0953620521000066
5. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193

3. American College of Cardiology - Management of Supraventricular Tachycardia

1. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
2. https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2015/09/23/09/13/2015-ACC-AHA-HRS-Guideline-for-the-Management-of-Adult-Patients-With-SVT
3. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
4. https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2019/09/10/12/36/2019-ESC-Guidelines-for-Supraventricular-Tachycardia
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26399662/