About-Cardio
-
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 and Their Treatment with Medications
Introduction
Palpitations are the sensation of an irregular, rapid, or forceful heartbeat. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, anxiety, caffeine, heart disease, or arrhythmias. Understanding treatment options, especially medications, is crucial for managing this condition.
Common Causes of Palpitations
- Benign causes: Stress, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, lack of sleep.
- Cardiac causes: Arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation, premature ventricular contractions, supraventricular tachycardia), heart disease, heart failure.
- Non-cardiac causes: Anemia, hyperthyroidism, fever, medications (decongestants, stimulants).
Medications Used to Treat Palpitations
1. Beta-Blockers
- Examples: Metoprolol, Atenolol, Propranolol.
- Mechanism: Block adrenaline effects, slow heart rate, reduce palpitations.
- Indications: Arrhythmias, anxiety-related palpitations, high blood pressure.
2. Calcium Channel Blockers
- Examples: Verapamil, Diltiazem.
- Mechanism: Reduce heart muscle contraction force and slow electrical conduction.
- Indications: Supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation.
3. Antiarrhythmic Drugs
- Examples: Flecainide, Amiodarone, Propafenone.
- Mechanism: Stabilize heart rhythm by modifying electrical activity.
- Indications: Atrial fibrillation, serious arrhythmias.
4. Electrolyte Supplements
- Examples: Magnesium, Potassium.
- Mechanism: Essential minerals for heart rhythm stability.
- Indications: Electrolyte imbalances causing palpitations.
When to See a Doctor?
Seek medical advice if: - Palpitations last too long (>30 minutes). - There is dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or shortness of breath. - They occur frequently or worsen over time.
Conclusion
Palpitations can be due to benign or serious conditions. Medications can help based on the underlying cause, but lifestyle modifications and addressing root causes are equally important. If palpitations persist, consult a cardiologist.
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 Tachycardias
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/5/655/5556821
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31504425/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2019/09/10/12/36/2019-ESC-Guidelines-for-Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
-
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:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
Always up-to-date information
On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Get second opinion
Here you can learn everything that even your doctor may not know about cardiology (if he does not speak English and he does not read 117 leading medical journals on cardiology every month).
The most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials
Our website contains the most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials in your country.
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.
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.