Symptoms
The symptoms of heart palpitations can vary, but commonly include:
Feeling like your heart is fluttering, racing, pounding, or skipping beats.
Awareness of your heartbeat in your chest, neck, or throat.
A feeling of skipped beats.
A sensation of your heart stopping briefly.
Lightheadedness or dizziness (sometimes).
Shortness of breath (rarely).
Chest pain or discomfort (rarely).
Causes
Heart palpitations can be triggered by a wide range of factors, including:
Lifestyle factors: Stress, anxiety, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, recreational drugs, vigorous exercise.
Medical conditions: Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), anemia, low blood sugar, dehydration, fever, heart conditions (arrhythmias, heart valve problems, coronary artery disease).
Medications: Decongestants, asthma inhalers, diet pills, certain herbal supplements.
Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menstruation, menopause.
Electrolyte imbalances: Potassium, magnesium, or calcium abnormalities.
Idiopathic: In some cases, no specific cause can be identified.
Medicine Used
The medications used to treat heart palpitations depend entirely on the underlying cause. Some possibilities include:
Beta-blockers: To slow the heart rate and reduce the force of heart contractions (for arrhythmias or anxiety).
Calcium channel blockers: Similar to beta-blockers, used to control heart rate and blood pressure.
Anti-arrhythmic medications: To treat specific heart rhythm abnormalities.
Thyroid medications: To treat hyperthyroidism.
Anxiety medications: To manage anxiety-related palpitations.
Supplements: Magnesium and potassium may be suggested if deficiencies are present, but always consult a doctor before starting any supplements.
In many cases, no medication is needed, and lifestyle modifications are sufficient.
Is Communicable
Heart palpitations themselves are not communicable. They are a symptom, not an infectious disease. The underlying cause may be communicable (e.g., a viral infection causing a fever leading to palpitations), but the palpitations themselves are not spread from person to person.
Precautions
Precautions to potentially minimize heart palpitations include:
Stress management: Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
Limit stimulants: Reduce or eliminate caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol intake.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water.
Avoid triggers: Identify and avoid specific activities or substances that trigger palpitations.
Maintain a healthy diet: Eat a balanced diet and address any nutritional deficiencies.
Regular exercise: Engage in moderate exercise but avoid overexertion.
Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night.
Medical review: Discuss any new or worsening palpitations with a doctor.
How long does an outbreak last?
Heart palpitations are not an "outbreak," but episodes of palpitations. The duration of a palpitation episode can vary greatly, from a few seconds to several minutes, or even longer in some cases. Some people experience occasional palpitations, while others have them more frequently. The duration and frequency depend on the underlying cause and individual factors.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosing the cause of heart palpitations involves:
Medical history and physical exam: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and medications.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): To record the electrical activity of your heart and detect any rhythm abnormalities.
Holter monitor or event monitor: To record your heart rhythm over a longer period (24 hours or more) to catch intermittent palpitations.
Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart to assess its structure and function.
Blood tests: To check for thyroid problems, anemia, electrolyte imbalances, and other medical conditions.
Stress test: To evaluate your heart rhythm during exercise.
Electrophysiology (EP) study: In some cases, a more invasive test to pinpoint the source of arrhythmias.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of heart palpitation symptoms varies widely depending on the cause:
Sudden onset: Palpitations may start abruptly.
Intermittent: Episodes may occur sporadically, with periods of no symptoms.
Trigger-related: Symptoms may appear after specific triggers like stress, caffeine, or exercise.
Gradual onset: In some cases, palpitations may develop slowly over time.
Variable duration: The duration of each episode can range from seconds to minutes.
Resolution: Palpitations may stop spontaneously or require intervention.
Important Considerations
Seek medical attention: Consult a doctor if you experience frequent, severe, or prolonged palpitations, especially if accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting.
Not always serious: Most palpitations are harmless, but it's important to rule out underlying heart conditions.
Individualized approach: The best approach to managing palpitations depends on the underlying cause and individual circumstances.
Lifestyle modifications: Simple lifestyle changes can often help reduce the frequency and severity of palpitations.
Medication side effects: Be aware of the potential side effects of medications used to treat palpitations.
Mental health: Anxiety and stress can contribute to palpitations, so address mental health concerns.