Heart Palpitations: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment

Heart palpitations are feelings of a fast, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat. While often harmless, they can sometimes be a sign of an underlying heart condition. Many people experience palpitations occasionally, especially during stress, exercise, or after consuming caffeine. However, when they occur frequently or are accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice.

To better understand this condition, let’s define heart palpitations and explore other aspects related to heart palpitations.

What Are Heart Palpitations?

To define heart palpitations, they are sensations where you feel like your heart is skipping a beat, beating too fast (tachycardia), or fluttering. Some people describe it as a “racing heart” or a thumping sensation in the chest, throat, or neck.

These episodes can last for a few seconds to several minutes and may occur sporadically or all day. Heart palpitations at night can be particularly troubling, often waking people from sleep or making it hard to relax.

Heart Palpitations Symptoms

Heart palpitation symptoms vary by person and situation. Common signs include:

• A fluttering or pounding sensation in the chest
• A feeling that the heart is skipping beats
• Heart racing or beating very fast
• Sensations that worsen with activity or lying down
• Dizziness or lightheadedness (in some cases)
• Chest discomfort (in rare or severe cases)

While palpitations are usually harmless, it’s essential to pay attention if they occur alongside chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting — these could signal a serious heart issue like coronary artery disease or arrhythmia.

Common Heart Palpitations Causes

The causes of heart palpitations can range from lifestyle triggers to medical conditions. Understanding the source helps guide effective treatment.

1. Stress and Anxiety

Emotional stress or panic attacks can trigger the release of stress hormones like adrenaline, causing your heart to race.

2. Caffeine and Stimulants

Coffee, energy drinks, nicotine, and some medications can overstimulate the heart, especially when consumed in excess.

3. Exercise or Physical Activity

Intense workouts increase heart rate, and while this is usually normal, some people may experience palpitations afterward.

4. Hormonal Changes

Pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause can cause hormone shifts that lead to temporary palpitations.

5. Medical Conditions

Underlying heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), hyperthyroidism, or anaemia can cause persistent or dangerous palpitations.

6. Dehydration or Electrolyte Imbalance

Low levels of potassium, magnesium, or sodium can interfere with normal electrical signals in the heart.

Heart Palpitations at Night

Experiencing heart palpitations at night can be particularly alarming. They may feel more intense when you’re lying still or trying to sleep. Some common reasons include:

• Anxiety or racing thoughts at bedtime
• Caffeine or alcohol consumed late in the day
• Acid reflux or eating heavy meals at night
• Sleep apnea or poor sleep posture

If you frequently wake up with a racing heart, it’s worth speaking to a doctor to rule out sleep-related heart conditions or other disorders.

When Are Palpitations Serious?

While most palpitations are harmless, they may be a red flag when accompanied by:

• Chest pain or tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or fainting
• Palpitations that last for several minutes or occur all day
• A family history of heart disease

If any of these occur, you should immediately consult the best cardiologist in Bangalore at a recognised cardiology hospital in Bangalore for a detailed evaluation.

Palpitations Treatment Options

Palpitations treatment depends on the cause. For benign or occasional palpitations, lifestyle changes may be enough. More serious or frequent cases may require medical intervention.

1. Lifestyle Adjustments

• Reduce or eliminate caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco
• Manage stress through yoga, meditation, or deep breathing
• Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet
• Get enough sleep and avoid heavy meals before bed

2. Medical Treatments

• Medication: Beta-blockers or anti-arrhythmic drugs may be prescribed for palpitations linked to arrhythmias.
• Monitoring: ECG, Holter monitors, or stress tests can help track the heart’s rhythm over time.
• Ablation Therapy: For patients with arrhythmias, catheter-based procedures may help correct abnormal electrical signals in the heart.
• Surgery or Devices: In some cases, pacemakers or defibrillators may be required.

3. Treatment for Underlying Conditions

If palpitations are caused by a condition like coronary artery disease or thyroid problems, addressing those health issues will help manage the symptoms.

When to See a Doctor?

You should consult a specialist if:

• You feel heart palpitations all day
• Your palpitations are getting more frequent or intense
• You have other symptoms like dizziness, chest pain, or fainting
• You have a personal or family history of heart disease

At the best cardiology hospital, you can undergo advanced diagnostic testing and receive personalised care from top heart specialists.

Conclusion

Heart palpitations are a common experience and often harmless, but they shouldn’t be ignored, especially when persistent or accompanied by other symptoms. Knowing the heart palpitations symptoms, recognising the causes, and understanding the treatment options will help you manage your heart health better.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do heart palpitations feel like?

Palpitations can feel like fluttering, pounding, skipping, or a racing heartbeat. Some people feel them in their chest, throat, or neck.

Are heart palpitations dangerous?

Most palpitations are not dangerous, especially if they happen occasionally. However, frequent or prolonged palpitations should be evaluated by a doctor.

What causes heart palpitations at night?

They can be caused by stress, poor sleep posture, caffeine, or even acid reflux. Sometimes, they may point to sleep apnoea or other underlying conditions.

How are heart palpitations treated?

Palpitations treatment includes lifestyle changes, medications, or procedures like ablation, depending on the cause.

Can palpitations be a sign of heart disease?

Yes, in some cases. Palpitations could indicate arrhythmias or coronary artery disease, especially when paired with chest pain or fainting.