Heart Palpitations

Causes of Heart Palpitations
Causes of Heart Palpitations
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Heart palpitations and tachycardia are two commonly confused but distinct conditions. Palpitations are defined as the sensation of being aware of one’s heartbeat, and it is a completely subjective symptom. A person may feel that their heart is beating faster, more forcefully, or irregularly. It is important to note that this sensation can occur even when the heart rate is within normal limits. For example, during situations like stress, anxiety, or excessive caffeine consumption, one might experience palpitations even if the heart rate remains normal.

Tachycardia, on the other hand, is a medical diagnosis where the heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute. This condition is objectively measurable and can be detected via an ECG or pulse measurement. Interestingly, a person with tachycardia may not be aware of it or may not feel any palpitations. In other words, not every tachycardia results in palpitations, and not every palpitation is caused by tachycardia.

There are some important distinctions between these two conditions. Palpitations are considered a symptom, whereas tachycardia is a finding. While the patient’s report is sufficient to identify palpitations, a measurement is required to diagnose tachycardia. Regarding heart rate, palpitations can occur even with a normal heart rate, while tachycardia always involves a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute.

Both conditions can arise from various causes. Stress, anxiety, physical activity, certain medications, heart diseases, and thyroid issues are some of the common triggers. When these conditions are persistent or affect daily life, medical evaluation is necessary. During the evaluation, a detailed medical history is taken, a physical examination is conducted, an ECG is performed, and if needed, further tests such as Holter monitoring or blood tests are carried out. Sudden onset and prolonged palpitations are particularly important in individuals with heart disease.

Definition of Heart Palpitations

Heart palpitations is the sensation of becoming more aware of the heartbeats than usual. This feeling is often perceived as fluttering, pounding, speeding up, or irregularity in the chest, neck, or throat. It is usually harmless and can occur due to factors such as stress, caffeine consumption, physical activity, or hormonal changes. However, in some cases, it may also be a sign of a more serious health issue, such as heart diseases.

Symptoms of Heart Palpitations

The symptoms of heart palpitation are typically described as fluttering, pounding, or racing sensations in the chest. It can feel like the heart skipped a beat, is beating too fast, or is beating irregularly. Palpitations may also be accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety or panic
  • Sweating
  • Fainting (in severe cases)

Occasional palpitations that last only a few seconds generally do not need evaluation. However, palpitations accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting may be potentially dangerous and require immediate medical intervention. The duration and frequency of palpitations are also important; palpitations lasting more than 30 minutes, recurring frequently, or affecting daily life should always be assessed.

Additionally, for individuals with a known heart condition, palpitations warrant special attention. These symptoms could indicate an underlying serious heart issue, and prompt medical assistance is important.

Causes of Heart Palpitations

The most common cause of heart palpitations is emotional stress and anxiety. The adrenaline hormone released as a natural response to stress can increase heart rate and cause a sensation of palpitations. In addition, excessive exercise, caffeine consumption, alcohol and smoking, hormonal changes (such as pregnancy, menopause, or menstruation), and certain medications can also lead to palpitations.

Some heart palpitations may be a sign of underlying serious health issues. Conditions like arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm), heart disease, high blood pressure, or low blood sugar can cause palpitations that require regular medical monitoring. These conditions may be accompanied by additional symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting.

The causes of heart palpitations can include:

  • Stress and anxiety
  • Excessive caffeine, alcohol, smoking, or drug use
  • Intense physical activity or fatigue
  • Dehydration
  • Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause, menstrual cycle)
  • Thyroid disorders (especially hyperthyroidism)
  • Anemia
  • Electrolyte imbalances (such as deficiencies in sodium, potassium, or magnesium)
  • Heart diseases (coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, arrhythmias)
  • Side effects of certain medications
  • Genetic factors
  • High blood pressure and diabetes

Diagnosis of Heart Palpitations

Your doctor will evaluate your complaints by listening to your symptoms and making a preliminary diagnosis. The source of your palpitations can be precisely diagnosed through physical examination, laboratory tests, an ECG, Holter monitoring, or an event recorder. This process is crucial for making an accurate diagnosis and determining an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment of Heart Palpitations

The treatment of heart palpitations depends on the underlying cause. Lifestyle changes, stress management, and avoiding triggering factors form the foundation of treatment. Reducing caffeine intake, regular exercise, and adequate sleep are essential.

In cases of palpitations caused by arrhythmia, medication may be required. In some cases, more advanced treatments such as cardioversion, ablation, or pacemaker procedures may be necessary. In summary, the treatment of heart palpitations depends on the cause, and the treatment should be directed at the underlying cause.

What Helps with Heart Palpitations?

Depending on the cause of heart palpitations, the following tips may help reduce palpitations and relieve your symptoms:

  • Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing and relaxation techniques can help alleviate palpitations. Inhale deeply for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, and exhale slowly for 6 seconds.
  • Changing Position: Slowly sitting down or lying down can regulate blood flow. Sitting up straight and relaxing your neck and chest muscles can also be beneficial.
  • Regular Water Intake: Staying hydrated is important for overall health.
  • Regular Exercise: Moderate exercise can improve heart health.
  • Sleep Routine: Quality sleep helps regulate heart rhythm.
  • Healthy Diet: Follow a balanced diet and limit caffeine and alcohol intake.
  • Stress Management: Reduce stress through meditation and social activities.
  • Vagal Maneuvers: Techniques like splashing cold water on your face, coughing, or bearing down can help. These techniques may be effective in stopping palpitations in conditions like supraventricular tachycardia.
  • Natural Support Products: Some herbal teas and natural products may have calming effects, such as lemon balm tea, chamomile tea, or linden tea.

FAQs About Heart Palpitations

What Causes Heart Palpitations When Lying Down?

Heart palpitations that start when lying down are usually not concerning and may occur due to physiological reasons such as body position, mild pressure on the diaphragm on the heart, and the natural drop in heart rate and blood pressure during sleep. Additionally, extra systoles (premature beats) may become more noticeable during rest, and focusing on one’s own heartbeat in a calm environment may increase the sensation of palpitations. Factors like reflux, a hiatal hernia, late-night eating, stress, and anxiety can also trigger this condition.

Can Young People Experience Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations in young people are usually benign and do not indicate a serious health issue. However, some palpitations, especially those caused by arrhythmias, may increase with age, while others can develop during childhood or even in the womb.

Can Psychological Factors Cause Heart Palpitations?

Psychological heart palpitations are changes in heart rhythm caused by emotional factors rather than physical heart disease. During stress, anxiety, and panic situations, the body releases adrenaline, which can accelerate heart rate. These palpitations are generally not dangerous and can be managed with simple techniques.

This condition most commonly occurs during:

  • Periods of intense stress and anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Emotional turmoil
  • Extreme fatigue

For treating psychological heart palpitations, natural methods such as regular exercise, yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises are preferred. Stress management techniques and, if necessary, psychological support are also important. In severe cases, medication may be prescribed under medical supervision, although lifestyle changes are often sufficient.

What Deficiencies Cause Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations can result from various mineral and vitamin deficiencies, including magnesium, potassium, iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D deficiencies.

What Causes the Sensation of Heartbeats in the Throat?

In particularly thin individuals, the jugular veins in the neck may become more prominent, making the heartbeat more noticeable. This is often related to lifestyle factors like stress, anxiety, and excessive caffeine consumption. Additionally, heart rhythm disorders, thyroid problems, blood pressure changes, and conditions like reflux and anemia, or the side effects of some medications, can cause this sensation.

If this sensation occurs frequently or is accompanied by dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath, a cardiology examination is important to rule out underlying health issues.

What Arrhythmias Cause Heart Palpitations?

The following arrhythmias can cause palpitations:

  • Supraventricular Tachycardias (AVNRT, AVRT, AT, nodal tachycardia)
  • Atrial extrasystole or premature atrial contractions (PACs)
  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Atrial flutter
  • Ventricular extrasystole (VES, PVCs)
  • Ventricular tachycardia
  • Low heart rate (which can cause palpitations due to slow but strong heartbeats)

How Can Arrhythmia-Induced Palpitations Be Identified?

Palpitations caused by arrhythmias typically have a sudden onset and termination. Physiological palpitations, such as those related to emotional states like fear, excitement, or sadness, usually start more slowly and resolve once the triggering factor disappears.

If the palpitations start suddenly, are accompanied by irregular pulse, or feel like skipped beats, this may indicate arrhythmia. Such symptoms could be significant and require medical evaluation.

How to Differentiate Psychological Heart Palpitations?

Psychological palpitations generally occur with specific triggers (such as stressful situations) and are often accompanied by symptoms of anxiety, like sweating and trembling. These palpitations can be alleviated with relaxation techniques or deep breathing. Regular meditation, yoga, or stress management exercises are also effective in controlling psychological palpitations.

Are Heart Palpitations Dangerous?

If you have a structural heart condition, such as having had a heart attack, heart enlargement, significant valve diseases, or a pacemaker, you should take every heart palpitation seriously.

Reference: Palpitation