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ARE PALPITATIONS RED FLAGS FOR HEART HEALTH

drkmh ARE PALPITATIONS RED FLAGS FOR HEART HEALTH

 

While palpitations are often harmless, they can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying issue.

Palpitations are sensations that feel like your heart is beating too hard, too fast, fluttering, or skipping beats. It is that feeling when your ticker seems to go into overdrive, thumping harder or faster than usual, or even doing a little dance routine in your chest. Sometimes it feels like it is fluttering around like a butterfly caught in there, or you might sense it skipping a beat altogether.

 

You usually sense these palpitations in your chest, right where your heart is, but sometimes it is like you can feel it in your throat or even your neck. You just cannot ignore the feeling. It is like your heart’s trying to get your attention!

 

Characteristics of Awareness:

 

  • Intense Awareness: Palpitations often bring a heightened awareness of the heart’s activity, where individuals become acutely conscious of their heartbeat.
  • Intermittent Nature: Palpitations might occur sporadically, with episodes coming and going unpredictably. This intermittent nature can contribute to feelings of uncertainty or anxiety.

Palpitations can happen for all sorts of reasons. Maybe you have had a bit too much caffeine or you are stressing out over something. Your heart’s just reacting to the vibes. Or maybe it is because you are pushing yourself hard during a workout, and your heart wants you to slow down. In most cases, once you stop doing whatever it is that is stressing your heart out, the palpitations go away too.

 

Causes for Palpitations

 

Here are some common reasons your heart might decide to do the jitterbug:

 

  • Stress and Anxiety:

    Your heart is quite sensitive to your feelings. When you are stressed or anxious, it can start racing like it is in a marathon.

  • Stimulants:

    Too much caffeine, nicotine, or even a couple of drinks can rev up your heart like a sports car on the racetracks.

  • Exercise:

    Pushing yourself hard during a workout can send your heart into overdrive. The palpitations are the heart’s way of telling you that you need to take it down a notch.

  • Big Meals:

    felt your heart go into turbo mode after a big, heavy meal? Your body’s working hard to digest all that food, and your heart’s feeling the pressure.

  • Medications:

    Some meds, like those for asthma or decongestion, can give your heart a bit of a jump, leading to palpitations.

  • Heart Conditions:

    If you have issues like heart disease, a previous heart attack, or problems with your heart valves, your heart might be prone to bouts of palpitations. You need to stay in touch with your doctor to find out when you need to be concerned about these palpitations.

  • Hormonal Changes:

    Hormones can wreak havoc on your heart rhythm, especially during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause.

  • Electrolyte Imbalances:

    Low or high levels of potassium, calcium, or magnesium can affect the heart, leading to palpitations.

  • Thyroid Troubles:

    If your thyroid is not functioning properly, it can impact your heart rhythm, causing palpitations.

  • Other Factors:

    Fever, dehydration, and anaemia can all disrupt heart function and lead to palpitations.

Understanding the Implication Palpitations

 

Palpitations can range from a minor inconvenience to a sign of a more serious underlying issue.

 

  • Not Usually Serious:

    Benign Palpitations: In many cases, palpitations are harmless and temporary. They might be triggered by stress, caffeine, or intense exercise and typically subside on their own.

    Normal Heart Function: Sometimes, palpitations occur due to normal variations in heart rate, especially during periods of excitement or anxiety.

  • Potentially Serious:

    Underlying Heart Conditions: Palpitations can be a symptom of underlying heart problems like arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), heart disease, or structural issues with the heart.

    Risk of Complications: Certain arrhythmias, like atrial fibrillation, can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart failure if left untreated.

    Impact on Quality of Life: Even if not directly life-threatening, frequent, or severe palpitations can significantly impact daily life, causing anxiety, discomfort, or interfering with sleep.

  • When to Seek Medical Attention:

    Persistent or Worsening Palpitations: If palpitations become more frequent, severe, or prolonged, it is essential to get them checked out.

    Accompanying Symptoms: Palpitations accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, or a feeling of impending doom should prompt immediate medical attention.

    Underlying Health Conditions: If you have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or other medical conditions, it is crucial to monitor palpitations closely and discuss them with your doctor.

Diagnostic Evaluation of Palpitations

 

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): A standard test to evaluate the heart’s electrical activity and identify any abnormalities.
  • Holter Monitor or Event Recorder: Devices worn to record heart rhythm over a period, useful for capturing intermittent palpitations.
  • Echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to create images of the heart’s structure and function, helping to detect any underlying heart conditions.

Managing Palpitations

 

Managing palpitations involves a combination of lifestyle adjustments, stress management techniques, and medical interventions.

 

Lifestyle Modifications:

 

  • Limit Stimulants: Cut back on caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, as these can trigger palpitations.
  • Healthy Diet: Maintain a balanced diet low in processed foods and high in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration, which can exacerbate palpitations.
  • Regular Exercise: Engage in moderate, regular exercise to promote cardiovascular health and reduce stress.
  • Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or tai chi to reduce stress and anxiety levels.
  • Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support overall well-being and heart health.
  • Avoid Triggers: Identify and avoid triggers that worsen palpitations, such as certain foods, beverages, or stressful situations.
  • Medical Intervention: Depending on the frequency and severity of the palpitations the doctor might prescribe medication or minimally invasive procedures.

While palpitations are often harmless, they can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying issue. It is essential to pay attention to any changes in your heart rhythm and seek medical advice if you are concerned. Your doctor can help determine the cause of palpitations and recommend appropriate treatment to keep your heart healthy.

 

CONSULTANT - CARDIOLOGY at Dr.Kamakshi Memorial Hospitals
Reviewed By:

DR.ASHOKKUMAR

CONSULTANT – CARDIOLOGY

MBBS, MD (MEDICINE), DM (CARDIOLOGY)