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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 Dangerous?
Introduction
Palpitations are a common symptom that many people experience at some point in their lives. They are sensations of a fast, strong, or irregular heartbeat. While palpitations can be harmless, they can also indicate an underlying medical condition that requires attention.
Possible Causes of Palpitations
Palpitations can be caused by various factors, including: - Lifestyle factors: Stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and lack of sleep. - Medical conditions: Anemia, thyroid disorders, heart disease, and electrolyte imbalances. - Medications: Some asthma inhalers, decongestants, and stimulant drugs. - Heart rhythm disorders: Atrial fibrillation, premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), and ventricular tachycardia.
When Are Palpitations Dangerous?
Palpitations are more concerning if they are accompanied by: - Chest pain or discomfort - Shortness of breath - Dizziness or fainting - Severe fatigue - Irregular or very rapid heartbeats (over 150 beats per minute at rest)
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
To evaluate palpitations, a doctor may recommend: - Electrocardiogram (ECG): To check for heart rhythm abnormalities. - Holter monitoring: Continuous ECG recording for 24-48 hours. - Echocardiogram: To assess heart structure and function. - Blood tests: To check for anemia, thyroid problems, or electrolyte imbalances.
Treatment and Management
The treatment of palpitations depends on the underlying cause: - Lifestyle changes: Reducing caffeine, alcohol, and stress, and improving sleep. - Medication: If needed, doctors may prescribe medications such as beta-blockers or antiarrhythmic drugs. - Medical procedures: In cases of serious arrhythmias, procedures like catheter ablation or implantation of a pacemaker may be required.
Conclusion
Most palpitations are harmless, but they can sometimes indicate a serious heart condition. If palpitations are frequent, prolonged, or associated with concerning symptoms, consult a doctor for proper evaluation and management.
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/14557344/
- 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!
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We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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