Heart Palpitations: Causes and Treatment

Heart palpitations can be both uncomfortable and alarming, but they are also entirely normal under certain circumstances. While heart palpitations are not typically a cause for worry, they might indicate an underlying heart condition when they appear alongside other symptoms.

At CardioVascular Health Clinic, we specialize in comprehensive heart care, helping diverse patients recognize and resolve complex heart health issues.

What Causes Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations are feelings of your heart pounding heavily, beating too fast, or beating unsteadily. The beating can sometimes reverberate throughout the back, chest, neck, and even the face.

Heart palpitations might happen at any time, whether you are active or resting. Although the speed and force of your heartbeat might cause you concern, it isn't necessarily an indication of a medical disorder. However, if you experience heart palpitations regularly or if they occur with other symptoms, you should have a medical evaluation.

Numerous issues can trigger heart palpitations, including the following:

• Alcohol consumption
• Blood loss
• Certain medications
• Certain nutritional supplements
• Excitement 
• Fear
• Fever
• Fluid deficiency
• Low blood sugar
• Menopause
• Menstruation
• Stimulant drugs
• Panic
• Physical exertion
• Pregnancy
• Stress

Potentially dangerous medical disorders can also induce heart palpitations. These include:

• Abnormal heart valves
• Heart Disease
• Viruses and infections

Heart palpitations that have been triggered by an underlying illness generally occur alongside other symptoms. These might include: 

• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or loss of consciousness
• Chest pain
• Sweating

Seek medical attention immediately if you exhibit the above symptoms while experiencing heart palpitations.

Are There Treatments for Heart Palpitations?

It is vitally important that your medical team determines the underlying cause of your heart palpitations before administering treatments. You might be asked to note the times, dates, and circumstances of your symptoms. 

Your doctor will review the following during your examination:

• Medical history
• Associated symptoms
• Diet
• Medications
• Physical fitness

There might be additional tests after your doctor listens to your heart and lungs. These tests might involve the following:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Stress test
• Blood screening
• Urine screening
• Ultrasound
• Chest X-ray

Your physician might require you to wear a heart monitor. This device will allow your medical team to gain insight into your cardiac activity day and night. 

Your medical team can treat heart palpitations in numerous ways, depending on the cause. Very often, stress reduction measures can alleviate heart palpitations. If anxiety or emotional factors trigger your symptoms, you might benefit from learning breathing exercises or relaxation techniques.

People who drink heavily, smoke, or consume caffeinated beverages and foods might be advised to limit their consumption. Improving cardiovascular fitness or weight loss might also be recommended. It is possible to minimize symptoms dramatically by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

You should alert your doctor to any supplements or medications that could relate to your symptoms.

If your heart palpitations are related to heart disease, arrhythmia, or another heart disorder, your doctor might recommend medication or a surgical intervention.

If you have worries about your heart health, please contact our dedicated representatives to book a full evaluation.