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.
What Are Palpitations?
Introduction
Palpitations are sensations of a fast, fluttering, or irregular heartbeat. Many people describe them as a pounding, racing, or skipping feeling in their chest. They can be alarming, but in most cases, they are harmless. However, sometimes they may signal an underlying heart condition.
Causes of Palpitations
Palpitations can be caused by various factors, including:
1. Lifestyle Factors:
- Caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks)
- Alcohol and nicotine (smoking)
- Stress and anxiety
- Lack of sleep
- Strenuous exercise
2. Medical Conditions:
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
- Thyroid issues (hyperthyroidism)
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Heart diseases (coronary artery disease, heart failure)
3. Medications and Substances:
- Certain decongestants and asthma inhalers
- Some blood pressure medications
- Herbal supplements or illegal drugs (cocaine, amphetamines)
When to See a Doctor
Although palpitations are often harmless, consult a doctor if you experience:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Dizziness or fainting
- Shortness of breath
- A rapid heart rate for prolonged periods
Diagnosis and Treatment
A doctor may recommend tests such as:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
- Holter monitoring (24-hour ECG)
- Blood tests (to check for anemia, thyroid, or electrolyte imbalances)
Treatment Depends on the Cause:
- Avoid triggers (caffeine, alcohol, stress)
- Treatment for underlying conditions (e.g., thyroid disease, arrhythmias)
- Medications (beta-blockers, antiarrhythmics in severe cases)
Conclusion
Palpitations are common and often not dangerous. However, they can sometimes indicate a more serious issue. Pay attention to associated symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if they persist or worsen.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
- https://www.heart.org/
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-statements
- https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines
- https://atlas.heart.org/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on 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!
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.
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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.