Heart Racing: Causes and Treatment

A racing heart isn’t unusual. In fact, it’s perfectly normal under certain circumstances (during exercise or while feeling anxious, for example). However, a racing heart can be alarming because the heartbeat isn’t something we otherwise feel. At CardioVascular Health Clinic, we provide complete heart care, helping diverse patients identify and correct complex heart health issues.

Here, we explain why your heart might be racing and when to contact us. 

Why is My Heart Racing?

Heart racing, also called heart palpitations, is the feeling that your heart is pounding heavily, beating at an abnormally fast rate, or beating irregularly. The sensation can sometimes be felt throughout the chest and even in the neck.

A racing heart might occur during activity or while at rest. While you might be alarmed by the suddenness or intensity of your racing heart, it might not be the symptom of a serious medical condition. Nevertheless, you should undergo a medical assessment if other symptoms accompany your heart palpitations.

Several issues can cause a racing heart. These might include:

• Alcohol
• Anxiety
• Certain medications
• Certain nutritional supplements
• Dehydration
• Fear
• Fever
• Intense physical activity
• Loss of blood
• Low blood sugar
• Menopause
• Menstruation
• Narcotics/stimulant drugs
• Nervous excitement 
• Panic
• Pregnancy

Potentially serious medical conditions can also trigger heart racing. These include:

• Heart valve abnormalities
• Heart Disease
• Infections

A racing heart caused by a medical abnormality is typically accompanied by additional symptoms, which might include the following:

• Difficulty breathing
• Feeling faint or loss of consciousness
• Chest pain
• Sweating

If you experience the above symptoms, please seek medical assistance immediately.

Are There Treatments for Heart Racing?

Before effective treatments for a racing heart can be administered, your medical team must determine the underlying cause or causes. Your primary care physician might ask you to make a note of when your heart palpitations occur, their duration, how you feel before they occur, and your activities prior to their occurrence. During your evaluation, your doctor will review the following:

• Medical history
• Co-occurring symptoms
• Diet
• Medications
• Physical fitness

Your doctor will listen to your heart and lungs, and possibly order additional tests. These might include the following:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Stress test
• Blood test
• Urine test
• Heart ultrasound
• Chest X-ray

You might be asked to wear a heart monitor so your physician can better understand your cardiac activity throughout the day and night.

Treatments for heart palpitations can vary significantly. If your doctor determines the cause of your symptoms to be stress or anxiety-related factors, you might be able to manage the symptoms with relaxation exercises, yoga, deep breathing, or mindful meditation. If you are a heavy alcohol user, smoker, or regularly consume caffeinated foods and beverages, you might be advised to abstain. Weight loss or a fitness routine might also be advisable. Eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight could ease symptoms considerably.

Discuss any medications you are currently taking that could contribute to your symptoms.

If you have concerns about your heart health, please contact our dedicated representatives to schedule a comprehensive consultation.