Heart Palpitations: What Could Be Wrong?

Heart palpitations are sensations of having a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart. They can feel like your heart is skipping a beat or racing. These sensations can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck.

Common symptoms of heart palpitations include a racing heart, irregular heartbeat, or feeling of skipped beats. Sometimes they can accompany dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain, which when severe could signify underlying issues.

Palpitations can be triggered by stress, anxiety, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, intense exercise, hormonal changes, or certain medications. Keeping a journal of your palpitations can help pinpoint potential triggers.

If palpitations are frequent, occur with other concerning symptoms, or cause anxiety, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider. They may conduct a physical examination, take your medical history, and may run tests like ECG (Electrocardiogram) or Holter monitor to assess your heart’s rhythm.

Some heart conditions related to palpitations include arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), atrial fibrillation, or other structural heart problems. Understanding these issues can help in taking preventive measures.

Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can help manage or reduce palpitations. This includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, managing stress, limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking.

It's vital to seek emergency care if palpitations are accompanied by severe chest pain, fainting, shortness of breath, or if they feel different from what you have experienced before. These could indicate more serious heart conditions.

Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is important for managing any underlying conditions and adjusting treatment plans as necessary. Monitoring your symptoms and treatment effectiveness is crucial.