Palpitations
What are palpitations?
Palpitations are heartbeats that feel either too fast or too hard, and sometimes they can feel like your heart is skipping a beat. These are felt in your chest, throat or neck. Often these are not harmful and can result from stress, caffeine, nicotine or anxiety. Pregnancy can also cause heart palpitations at times. Sometimes, heart palpitations can indicate more serious heart conditions, particularly if they happen frequently. If palpitations are experienced alongside dizziness, chest pain or shortness of breath, seek medical attention.
Prognosis:
Heart palpitations are usually not severe, but if they occur frequently, a medical examination will be needed to rule out underlying heart problems, such as arrhythmia.
Symptoms of heart palpitations
Heart palpitations can feel unpleasant and feel as though the heart is beating too strong and too fast. If palpitations are experienced alongside dizziness, chest pain or shortness of breath, seek medical attention.
How are palpitations diagnosed?
To rule out possible underlying heart conditions, you may need an ECG, a blood pressure test or an echocardiogram.
What are the causes of heart palpitations?
Heart palpitations are usually a result of anxiety, stress or panic attacks; caffeine intake or nicotine; consumption of illegal drugs; exercise and fever, among others. In addition, there are conditions that can increase the probability of having an abnormal heart rhythm, such as:
- Previous heart disease (arrhythmias)
- Hyperthyroidism
- Abnormal heart valve
- Hypoglycaemia
- Significant risk factors for heart disease
- Anaemia
- Electrolyte blood abnormality
Can heart palpitations be prevented?
It is possible to prevent palpitations by doing the following:
- Regular moderate exercise
- Avoid anxiety and stress
- Treat underlying diseases
- Avoid tobacco, alcohol and coffee
Treatments for heart palpitations
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the palpitations. If it caused by anxiety or stress, then these can be managed better. If they are caused by a stimulant, then these can be avoided. If there is an underlying heart condition, then this will have to be treated accordingly.
What specialist treats heart palpitations?
Cardiologists would diagnose and treat heart palpitations.
Articles related to
What are palpitations?
By Dr Allan Harkness
2019-11-18
Undoubtedly, some people may feel worried or paranoid if they start to notice their heart palpitations. Leading cardiologist Dr Allan Harkness explains how most concerns of palpitations can be psychological, but also addresses what could be the possible causes of any irregularities... See more
What causes fainting?
By Dr Boon Lim
2019-11-18
Syncope is the medical term for fainting, blacking out, or loss of consciousness. Many people have experienced this phenomenon, passing out in a crowd, or on public transport. But why does this happen to certain people? Dr Boon Lim, a leading London cardiologist and expert on syncope explains what causes fainting See more
Can you really monitor your heart with your watch?
By Dr Boon Lim
2019-11-13
As mankind races into the future, our technology keeps leaping forward. Innovations like the Apple Watch and Fitbit feature heart rate monitors attached to our wrists, which not only allow us to keep an eye on our fitness, but also open up the possibility of using watches to help spot issues with heart health. Expert cardiologist Dr Boon Lim is here to explain: See more
How can heart palpitations be managed?
By Dr Allan Harkness
2019-11-12
Palpitations can be harmless, but sometimes there is an underlying heart rhythm problem. Dr Allan Harkness, a leading cardiologist, discusses what a diagnosis would involve and what treatments are available, if required. See more
Experts in
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Dr Syed Ahsan
CardiologyExpert in:
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- Chest pain
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Dr Alessandro Giardini
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Dr Ayyaz Sultan
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