Heart palpitations – Symptoms, causes, and management options

Heart palpitations – Symptoms, causes, and management options

Vance Cardenas

Heart palpitations can be caused by a fast or irregular heartbeat, which might feel like the heart is fluttering, hammering, or racing. Some people may develop dizziness, lightheadedness, or shortness of breath while experiencing palpitations. They are characterized by a chest fluttering, thumping, or rushing sensation that can occur at rest and during exercise. Heart palpitations are frequently harmless but can signify a serious health scare. This article discusses heart palpitations, including their causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention.

Symptoms of heart palpitations
Heart palpitations symptoms can occur in a number of ways; the most common are:

  • Hammering heart
    A racing or hammering heartbeat is one of the most common heart palpitations symptoms. It can be unpleasant to feel as if your heart is beating too swiftly or vigorously.
  • Fluttering heartbeat
    Some people may experience fluttering or the sensation of their heart skipping beats in their chest during palpitations. This has the potential to be distressing.
  • Breathlessness
    Heart palpitations might cause you to feel as if your chest is constricted. This may be especially problematic for persons who have underlying respiratory diseases.
  • Lightheadedness
    Heart palpitations can cause lightheadedness or dizziness, which can be especially dangerous if they occur while operating heavy machinery or driving.
  • Chest pain or discomfort
    Some people experience chest pain or discomfort when they have heart palpitations. This should be investigated by a healthcare professional because it could be an indicator of a more serious underlying issue.
  • Weakness
    Heart palpitations can also cause weakness or weariness, impairing everyday activities and overall quality of life.

Causes of heart palpitations
Stress and anxiety can cause heart palpitations because they cause an adrenaline rush, which raises the heart rate and causes vibrations.

  • Vigorous exercise
    High-intensity exercise or physical activity may cause heart palpitations if a person is not used to rigorous body training and exertion.
  • Caffeine
    Caffeine can trigger heart palpitations by speeding up the heartbeat and energizing the nervous system.
  • Hazardous health diseases
    Heart palpitations can also be caused by underlying health conditions such as heart disease, thyroid issues, anemia, or electrolyte imbalances.
  • Pregnancy
    Heart palpitations are common during pregnancy as a result of hormonal changes and increased blood volume.

Treatment for heart palpitations
The optimum course of treatment will be determined by the underlying cause of heart palpitations. Treatment options include:

  • Reducing stress
    By reducing stress, limiting coffee use, and engaging in regular exercise, one can reduce the frequency and intensity of heart palpitations.
  • Proper pharma prescription treatments
    Doctors may prescribe beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and anti-anxiety prescription treatments to reduce heart palpitations and their effects on overall well-being.
  • Cardioversion
    This method includes administering a controlled electric shock to the heart in order to restore it to a normal rhythm. This can be used to treat chronic or severe heart palpitations caused by particular arrhythmias.
  • Ablation therapy
    In some cases, a catheter may be used to deliver radiofrequency energy to the region of the heart, causing palpitations, removing the abnormal tissue, and restoring normal cardiac rhythm.
  • Pacemaker
    In cases when a sluggish heartbeat or other conduction anomalies are the core cause of heart palpitations, a pacemaker may be installed to control the heart rate and rhythm. In some cases, surgeries such as pacemaker implantation or radiofrequency ablation may be recommended to help reduce heart palpitations.

Preventive measures
There are several measures you can follow to stop heart palpitations. They include:

  • Stress management
    Relaxation techniques such as yoga, deep breathing, and meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Preserving hydration
    Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and palpitations.
  • Regular exercise is essential
    Exercise frequently to maintain a healthy body, improve your heart, and reduce stress.
  • Taking care of underlying health conditions
    Collaborate with your doctor to treat any underlying issues you may have, such as heart disease or thyroid disease.

Heart palpitations are a common symptom that can be caused by various factors, including stress, exercise, and healthcare conditions such as anemia, thyroid difficulties, or heart disease. Chest pain or discomfort, a racing or pounding heartbeat, fluttering or skipping beats, shortness of breath, lightheadedness or dizziness, and a racing or pounding heartbeat are all signs of heart palpitations.

If you suffer frequent or severe palpitations, seek expert attention immediately to rule out any underlying conditions. Controlling stress, avoiding triggers like caffeine, and treating any disorders can all help to prevent heart palpitations. The underlying reason will determine the treatment. People who suffer from heart palpitations can live healthy, fulfilling lives if they receive the proper care and therapy in time.

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