-
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.
Drugs for Heart Palpitations
Introduction
Heart palpitations are sensations of a rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat. While often benign, they can sometimes indicate underlying heart conditions that require medical evaluation and treatment.
Common Causes of Palpitations
Palpitations can be caused by various factors, including: - Stress and Anxiety: Emotional distress can trigger palpitations. - Caffeine and Alcohol: Excessive consumption may overstimulate the heart. - Electrolyte Imbalances: Low levels of potassium, magnesium, or calcium can affect heart rhythm. - Medications: Some drugs, such as decongestants or stimulants, can cause palpitations. - Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation or premature ventricular contractions, may lead to palpitations.
Medications for Managing Heart Palpitations
The choice of medication depends on the underlying cause:
1. Beta-Blockers (e.g., Metoprolol, Atenolol, Propranolol)
- Reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure.
- Commonly used for anxiety-related palpitations or arrhythmias.
2. Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g., Verapamil, Diltiazem)
- Help regulate heart rate and improve blood flow.
- Useful for reducing irregular heartbeats.
3. Antiarrhythmic Drugs (e.g., Flecainide, Amiodarone, Sotalol)
- Specifically designed to correct abnormal heart rhythms.
- Used in cases of severe arrhythmias requiring medical management.
4. Electrolyte Supplements (e.g., Potassium, Magnesium)
- Correct deficiencies that may contribute to palpitations.
5. Anxiolytics or Sedatives (e.g., Diazepam, Lorazepam)
- Help manage stress-induced palpitations in non-cardiac cases.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If palpitations are associated with symptoms such as dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting, immediate medical evaluation is necessary.
Conclusion
Treatment for heart palpitations varies based on the cause. Identifying and addressing the underlying condition is key to effective management.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines on Supraventricular Arrhythmias
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14557344/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2019/09/10/12/36/2019-ESC-Guidelines-for-Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14563598/
- 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
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on the Management of Atrial Fibrillation
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/36/3314/7738779
- https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Guidelines/Documents/ehaa612.pdf
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/5/373/5899003
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860505/
3. European Heart Rhythm Association Practical Guide on Antiarrhythmic Therapy
- https://www.hrsonline.org/guidance/clinical-resources/antiarrhythmic-drugs-clinical-use-and-clinical-decision-making-consensus-document-european-heart
- https://esc365.escardio.org/presentation/273433
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33895845/
- https://academic.oup.com/europace/article-abstract/23/10/1612/6247378
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11636576/
-
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.