Heart Palpitations: When Your Heart Skips a Beat

Introduction

The sensation that your heart is skipping a beat, fluttering, or pounding irregularly is known as heart palpitations. While this can be harmless, it may also be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs medical attention.

Causes of Heart Palpitations

Heart palpitations can be caused by various factors, including:

1. Benign Causes:

• Stress, anxiety, or panic attacks
• High caffeine intake (coffee, energy drinks)
• Alcohol or nicotine use
• Strenuous physical activity

2. Medical Conditions:

• Cardiac Causes:
  • Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
  • Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
  • Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)
  • Bradycardia (slow heart rate) or tachycardia (fast heart rate)
• Non-Cardiac Causes:
  • Hyperthyroidism or hormonal imbalances
  • Electrolyte disturbances (low potassium, magnesium)
  • Anemia
  • Medication side effects

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical help if palpitations are accompanied by: - Chest pain - Shortness of breath - Dizziness or fainting - Persistent irregular heartbeats

Diagnosing the Condition

Doctors may use the following tests: - Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to check electrical activity - Holter monitor for 24-48 hours monitoring - Echocardiogram to check the heart’s structure - Blood tests to check for anemia, thyroid issues, or electrolyte imbalances - Stress test to monitor heart function under exertion

Treatment and Prevention

• Reduce stress through relaxation techniques (yoga, meditation)
• Limit caffeine, alcohol, and smoking
• Maintain a healthy diet with balanced electrolytes
• Exercise regularly (as guided by your doctor)
• If a heart arrhythmia is diagnosed, medications, lifestyle changes, or procedures like catheter ablation or pacemaker implantation may be recommended.

Conclusion

Most cases of occasional heart palpitations are harmless, but persistent or severe symptoms require medical evaluation. If you experience palpitations with accompanying symptoms, consult a doctor promptly.

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