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03-08-2024 Team Medicover cardiology

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr G Ravi Kiran, Cardiologist

Heart Palpitations

Have you ever felt your heart skip a beat, flutter rapidly or pound unusually hard? These sensations are called heart palpitations. They are harmless but can sometimes signal a serious condition.

This article explores the causes of heart palpitations, their link with anxiety, how they're diagnosed, treated and when to seek medical help.

What are Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations are the feeling that your heart is beating too fast, fluttering or skipping beats. You may feel them in your chest, throat or neck. These sensations might last for a few seconds to a few minutes and can occur during rest, activity or even while lying down.

Palpitations can feel like:

A racing heartbeat
A fluttering or flopping sensation
Skipped or extra beats
A pounding heartbeat

While they are common and usually harmless, persistent or frequent palpitations should be evaluated by a doctor.

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Why Do I Get Heart Palpitations?

There are many reasons why your heart might beat irregularly or feel different. Most of the time, palpitations are triggered by lifestyle or emotional factors like:

Stress or anxiety
Lack of sleep
Dehydration
Caffeine or alcohol
Strenuous exercise
Hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.

In some cases, palpitations are caused by medical conditions or medications and require further attention.

Causes of Heart Palpitations

Caffeine
Hyperthyroidism
Exercise
Fever
Anemia
Dehydration
Blood loss
Pregnancy
Nicotine
Alcohol
Low levels of sugar, potassium and oxygen.
Less carbon dioxide in the blood
Emotional factors like stress, fear, anxiety and panic

Heart Palpitations Symptoms

Sensations of rapid, fluttering, pounding or irregular heartbeats.
Feeling like your heart is skipping beats or racing.
Fluttering or butterflies in the chest.
Awareness of your heartbeat (heart awareness).
Chest discomfort or pressure.
Dizziness or lightheadedness.
Shortness of breath.
Fainting or near-fainting episodes.
Sweating.
Anxiety or panic.
Fatigue.
Weakness.

Heart Palpitations and Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most common causes of heart palpitations. When you are stressed or anxious, your body activates its fight-or-flight response, releasing adrenaline. This can make your heart beat faster and harder.

You may experience:

Racing or pounding heart
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Chest tightness

If your palpitations occur during stress or panic, anxiety may be the reason. Managing anxiety through relaxation techniques or therapy can reduce these episodes.

Heartburn and Heart Palpitations

Heartburn is caused by acid reflux and is not related to the heart. It gives rise to burning pain in the chest which feels very much similar to a heart attack pain and can be difficult to differentiate.
It is necessary to always consult the doctor if you are experiencing GERD and chest discomfort symptoms, which may be a sign of a heart condition.
In case of chest pains, if you are unsure about their source, then see your doctor. If symptoms like chest tightness, sweating, weakness and fainting persist then head to an emergency room.

How Are Heart Palpitations Diagnosed?

If your palpitations are frequent, last longer or feel unusual, your doctor may perform tests to find out serious heart issues.

Diagnostic tests include:

Physical exam and medical history
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Records your heart's electrical activity
Holter monitor: Worn for 24–48 hours to track heart rhythm
Event monitor: Tracks irregular heartbeats over a few weeks
Echocardiogram: An ultrasound to examine the heart structure
Blood tests: To check thyroid levels, anaemia or electrolyte imbalance

These tests help doctors determine whether the palpitations are due to a benign cause or a more serious condition.

How to Stop Heart Palpitations

If your palpitations are infrequent and caused by stress or lifestyle triggers, you can try these calming techniques:

Deep breathing: Inhale slowly for four counts, hold for 4 and exhale for 4
Splash cold water on your face: It helps reset your heart rhythm.
Practice the Valsalva manoeuvre: Breathe out forcefully through a closed nose and mouth.
Relax and sit down: Calm your body and avoid sudden movements.
Avoid known triggers: Such as caffeine, alcohol and nicotine.

These techniques can help bring your heart rate back to a normal level. If they don’t work or symptoms worsen, seek medical attention.

When to See a Doctor for Palpitations

While most palpitations are harmless, you should consult a doctor if you experience:

Palpitations that last longer than a few minutes
Episodes that occur frequently or worsen over time
Associated symptoms like:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Dizziness or fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness or fatigue
- Irregular pulse

These could be signs of a serious heart condition that needs immediate evaluation.

Natural Remedies for Heart Palpitations

Some people find relief through natural methods, especially if palpitations are anxiety or lifestyle-related:

Magnesium-rich foods: Nuts, seeds, leafy greens.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Herbal teas: Chamomile, valerian root and lemon balm promote calmness.
Reduce stimulants: Limit coffee, energy drinks and sugary snacks.
Yoga or tai chi: Gentle exercises to reduce stress and improve heart rhythm.
Mindfulness and meditation: Help lower anxiety and support steady breathing.

Always check with your doctor before starting herbal remedies, especially if you're on medications.

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Conclusion

Heart palpitations can be unsettling but but they are usually not dangerous, especially if they are caused by stress, caffeine or lack of sleep. However, sometimes they might signal a more serious heart problem.

It's important to pay attention to what situations cause your palpitations, maintain a healthy lifestyle and know when to see a doctor for help. Even if you are not sure about why you're experiencing them, it's best to consult a doctor for peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Practice relaxation techniques, avoid triggers like caffeine and stress, stay hydrated, and seek medical attention if needed.

Potassium-rich foods like bananas, magnesium-rich foods like nuts, and omega-3 fatty acids in fish can help. Stay hydrated and eat balanced meals.

Deep breathing, meditation, herbal teas like chamomile, and supplements like magnesium may help. Consult a healthcare professional before trying natural remedies.

In most cases, occasional palpitations are harmless. However, frequent or persistent palpitations, especially when associated with other symptoms, may indicate an underlying heart condition requiring medical evaluation.

Seek medical attention if you experience frequent or prolonged palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting or if palpitations are accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Yes, anxiety and stress are common triggers for heart palpitations. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, therapy, and lifestyle changes can help reduce palpitation frequency.

It's common to experience temporary heart palpitations during strenuous exercise or physical exertion. However, if palpitations persist or are accompanied by chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath, it's important to seek medical advice.