Heart Palpitations: All You Need To Know

Feeling your heart suddenly race, skip, or flutter can be alarming. In most cases, heart palpitations are harmless and go away on their own. However, persistent or severe episodes may point to underlying health conditions that require medical evaluation.

What are Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations are the sensations of having an irregular, rapid, or forceful heartbeat. They may feel like your heart is pounding, fluttering, or skipping beats. Some people describe it as a heart pounding in the chest, throat, or neck.

Though palpitations are typically brief, experiencing them frequently can cause concern, especially when accompanied by other symptoms.

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What Is Heart Rate?

Your heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute. The normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. An increase or irregularity in this rhythm can lead to heart palpitations.

Heart Palpitations Reasons: What Causes Them?

There are numerous causes behind heart palpitations. Some are linked to lifestyle, while others may indicate medical issues. Common heart palpitations reasons include:

Heavy physical activity or exertion
High intake of caffeine or alcohol
Use of nicotine or narcotics
Side effects from certain medications
Emotional triggers like stress, anxiety, or panic attacks
Hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy or menopause)
Underlying heart issues like arrhythmias, valve disease, or coronary artery disease

Why Does Heart Palpitations Occur?

Palpitations often occur when electrical signals in the heart misfire or speed up. Triggers like stimulant use, anxiety, or heart conditions cause the heart to beat abnormally, creating a fluttering or pounding sensation.

Hiccups Cause Cardiac Issues?

While rare, hiccups have been linked to cardiac arrhythmias in some cases, especially when they’re persistent and occur with other heart-related symptoms. They may be a signal of irritation to the vagus nerve or diaphragm, which can affect heart rhythm.

When to Worry About Heart Palpitations

Most palpitations are not serious. However, when to worry about heart palpitations depends on accompanying symptoms. Seek medical attention if you experience:

Chest pain or discomfort
Dizziness or fainting
Shortness of breath
Unexplained sweating or chills
Fever
Loss of consciousness

These signs could indicate a more serious cardiac condition such as arrhythmias, heart failure, or risk of heart attack.

Precautions to Prevent Heart Palpitations

To reduce or prevent episodes:

Avoid stressful environments or learn stress-reducing techniques
Reduce or eliminate caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine intake
Avoid stimulants and certain over-the-counter medications
Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated
Exercise regularly but don’t overexert
If suffering from depression or anxiety, seek professional care

Diagnosis and Tests for Heart Palpitations

A cardiologist may recommend several tests to find the root cause:

Blood tests
Chest X-ray
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Echocardiogram
Holter or event monitoring

These tools help identify rhythm disorders and structural heart problems.

Get Emergency Care from Expert Cardiologists

Taking care of your heart health is crucial. Regular checkups, a healthy lifestyle, and staying informed about symptoms like palpitations can help prevent major cardiac events. If you’re experiencing any abnormal heart symptoms, consult a cardiologist at Medicover Hospitals for expert care.

Medicover’s team of experienced cardiologists uses advanced diagnostic tools to accurately assess your heart health and deliver personalized treatment plans.

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Conclusion

Heart palpitations are usually harmless but should not be ignored, especially when accompanied by troubling symptoms. Understanding their causes, recognizing when they become dangerous, and knowing when to seek help are key to maintaining good heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, dehydration can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes, such as potassium and magnesium, which are crucial for normal heart function. This can trigger palpitations or irregular heartbeats.

Yes, hormonal fluctuations during menopause, especially a drop in estrogen, can lead to heart palpitations, hot flashes, and increased anxiety.

In some individuals, food allergies, intolerances (like gluten or MSG), or even eating large meals may cause palpitations due to digestive stress or immune responses.

Absolutely. Sleep deprivation increases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can overstimulate the heart and cause palpitations.

Heart palpitations are symptoms or sensations you feel, while arrhythmia is a medically diagnosed irregular heart rhythm that can sometimes cause palpitations.

Yes, Medicover Hospitals provides 24/7 emergency cardiac services with access to expert cardiologists, advanced ECG and echo diagnostics, and immediate intervention for heart palpitations and related conditions.