About-Cardio
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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.
Palpitations: Causes and What You Should Know
Introduction
Palpitations are a sensation of rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeats. They can be unsettling but are not always a sign of serious heart disease. Understanding their causes can help in determining when medical attention is necessary.
Common Causes of Palpitations
1. Physiological Causes (Non-Heart Related)
- Stress & Anxiety: Increased adrenaline can trigger a heightened awareness of heartbeat.
- Caffeine & Stimulants: Excessive coffee, energy drinks, or medications like decongestants can speed up the heart.
- Alcohol & Nicotine: Both substances can disturb normal heart rhythms.
- Exercise: Exertion increases heart rate naturally.
- Hormonal Changes: Menopause, pregnancy, and thyroid imbalances can contribute.
2. Cardiac Causes (Heart-Related)
- Arrhythmias: Conditions like atrial fibrillation, premature beats, or supraventricular tachycardia.
- Coronary Artery Disease: Plaque buildup can affect heart rhythm.
- Heart Failure: Weak heart muscles struggle to maintain rhythm.
- Valvular Heart Disease: Abnormalities in heart valves may contribute to palpitations.
3. Other Medical Conditions
- Anemia: Reduced oxygen-carrying capacity can increase heart rate.
- Electrolyte Imbalance: Low potassium, magnesium, or calcium affects heart conduction.
- Hypoglycemia: Blood sugar drops can lead to palpitations.
- Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid can overstimulate the heart.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical attention if palpitations are accompanied by: - Chest pain or discomfort - Shortness of breath - Fainting or dizziness - Irregular, very fast (tachycardia) or very slow (bradycardia) heartbeat
Diagnosis & Treatment
- ECG (Electrocardiogram): Records heart rhythm.
- Holter Monitoring: A continuous ECG for 24-48 hours.
- Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound to check heart structure.
- Blood Tests: Assess thyroid function, anemia, and electrolytes.
- Management: Includes lifestyle changes, avoiding triggers, and medications if necessary.
Conclusion
Palpitations are often harmless but should be evaluated if they persist with concerning symptoms. Lifestyle adjustments and proper medical evaluation can help manage and prevent complications.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Guidelines for the Evaluation and Management of Patients with Cardiac Arrhythmias
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30412709/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28280231/
- https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2017/03/07/23/36/2017-acc-aha-hrs-guideline-for-syncope
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines on Cardiac Arrhythmias
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- 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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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.