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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.
Heart Palpitations: Causes and Treatment
Introduction
Heart palpitations are sensations of a rapidly beating, fluttering, or pounding heart. While they are often harmless, they can sometimes indicate an underlying heart condition that requires medical attention.
Common Causes of Heart Palpitations
Heart palpitations can be caused by a variety of factors, including: - Lifestyle Factors: Stress, anxiety, excessive caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine consumption. - Medical Conditions: Anemia, low blood sugar, thyroid disorders, dehydration, and fever. - Heart-Related Issues: Arrhythmias (such as atrial fibrillation), heart valve disease, or coronary artery disease. - Medications and Stimulants: Certain asthma inhalers, decongestants, and weight loss pills.
Diagnosis: When to See a Doctor
Seek medical attention if your palpitations are accompanied by: - Chest pain or discomfort - Dizziness or fainting - Shortness of breath - Irregular or very rapid heartbeat
Treatment and Management
1. Lifestyle Modifications
- Reduce stress through relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga.
- Avoid triggers such as caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol.
- Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet.
- Ensure adequate sleep and manage anxiety effectively.
2. Medical Treatment
When palpitations are due to an underlying heart condition, treatment may include: - Medications: Beta-blockers or antiarrhythmic drugs in cases of arrhythmia. - Procedures: In severe cases, treatments like catheter ablation or implantable devices may be necessary.
Conclusion
Most heart palpitations are harmless. However, if they are frequent or associated with other worrying symptoms, medical evaluation is essential. A cardiologist can help determine the cause and guide appropriate treatment.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Arrhythmias
- 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://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29084733/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Supraventricular Arrhythmias
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/5/655/5556821
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31504425/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000091380.04100.84
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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.