Have you ever felt your heart beating rapidly, as if it were racing, with the sensation extending to your chest, throat, or neck? This condition is known as heart palpitations.

In most cases, heart palpitations are harmless and tend to subside on their own without requiring treatment. However, in certain situations, palpitations could indicate a more serious issue, such as an arrhythmia, which should not be ignored.

What Are the Signs of Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations are often described as brief episodes of a rapid or forceful heartbeat. These episodes can occur at any moment, whether you are physically active or at rest. So, don’t assume that palpitations only happen during intense activities.

Common signs of heart palpitations include:

• A heartbeat that feels too fast
• An irregular heart rhythm
• A pounding sensation in the chest

What Triggers Heart Palpitations?

While the exact cause of heart palpitations may not always be clear, they are generally linked to the following factors:

• Emotional responses such as stress, anxiety, or panic attacks
• Depression
• Engaging in strenuous physical activities
• Consumption of stimulants like caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines, or medications containing pseudoephedrine (such as cold and cough remedies)
• Fever
• Hormonal changes related to menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause
• Low blood sugar levels
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Reduced oxygen or excessive carbon dioxide levels in the blood
• Thyroid disorders, whether due to an overactive or underactive thyroid gland

When Should You Consult a Doctor About Heart Palpitations?

Occasional, brief episodes of heart palpitations are usually not a cause for concern. However, if you have a history of heart disease and experience frequent or worsening palpitations, it is advisable to seek medical attention.

A doctor may recommend heart monitoring tests to determine if the palpitations stem from a more serious heart condition. Some diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• Blood tests – To assess hormone levels, blood cell counts, potassium, and electrolyte levels that may impact heart rhythm.
• Urine tests – To measure electrolyte levels, blood cells, hormones, and blood sugar.
• ECG stress test – Conducted while walking or running on a treadmill or using a stationary bike, with increasing speed to monitor the heart’s electrical activity.
• Echocardiogram – Uses sound waves to create images of the heart and assess its function.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Records the electrical impulses of the heart to check for irregularities.
• X-ray – Helps detect an enlarged heart that could contribute to palpitations.
• Angiography – Examines blood flow within the heart’s arteries.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical evaluation as soon as possible:

• Frequent heart palpitations
• Severe dizziness
• Discomfort in the chest
• Difficulty breathing
• Excessive or unusual sweating
• Chest pain
• Fainting episodes

By identifying symptoms and undergoing necessary medical evaluations, doctors can provide appropriate treatment for heart palpitations. If palpitations are unrelated to heart disease, lifestyle modifications and avoiding known triggers may be recommended.

However, if palpitations are associated with an underlying heart condition, further medical intervention may be necessary.

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