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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: Definition and Explanation
Introduction
Palpitations are the sensation of an abnormal or rapid heartbeat. Patients often describe them as a feeling of the heart "racing," "fluttering," or "skipping beats." While they can be alarming, palpitations are not always a sign of a serious heart condition.
Common Causes of Palpitations
Palpitations can be caused by various factors, including: - Physiological Causes : Stress, anxiety, intense emotions, caffeine, nicotine, exercise, or fever. - Cardiac Causes : Arrhythmias (e.g., atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia), heart failure, or valvular disorders. - Metabolic & Hormonal Causes : Anemia, hyperthyroidism, electrolyte imbalances, or hormonal changes (e.g., menopause, pregnancy). - Medication-Related Causes : Some asthma inhalers, decongestants, or weight loss pills.
When to See a Doctor?
Seek medical attention if palpitations are accompanied by: - Dizziness or fainting - Shortness of breath - Chest pain or discomfort - A history of heart disease
Diagnosis and Treatment
A doctor may recommend ECG, Holter monitoring, or echocardiography to assess heart function. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve lifestyle changes, medication, or specific interventions.
Conclusion
Palpitations are common and usually harmless, but they can indicate serious conditions. A healthcare provider can help determine if further investigations or treatment are necessary.
Source recommendations
1. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Diagnosis and Management of Supraventricular Arrhythmias
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31504425/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/39/21/1883/4939241
- https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2010/1015/p942.html
2. American Heart Association Guidelines on Arrhythmias and Palpitations
- 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://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/symptoms-diagnosis--monitoring-of-arrhythmia
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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.