Palpitation
- Types, Causes, Treatment, Prevention, and Serious Risks -
Heart palpitations are sensations of having a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart. They can be caused by various factors.
Types of Heart Palpitation
Normal Palpitations
- Causes: Stress, exercise, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine
- Treatment: Rest, stress management, reducing intake of stimulants
- Prevention: Maintaining a regular lifestyle, managing stress, engaging in moderate exercise
Tachycardia (Fast Heart Rate Palpitations)
- Causes: Atrial fibrillation (AFib), supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), ventricular tachycardia (VT)
- Treatment: Medications (beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers), electrical cardioversion, catheter ablation
- Prevention: Regular medication adherence, routine follow-ups with a doctor, maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Premature Contractions (Extra Heartbeats)
- Causes: Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), premature atrial contractions (PACs)
- Treatment: Monitoring, stress management, medication if needed
- Prevention: Reducing intake of caffeine and alcohol, managing stress, regular health check-ups
General Causes of Heart Palpitation
- Lifestyle Factors: Stress, excessive exercise, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine
- Medications: Side effects of drugs, use of certain medications (bronchodilators, thyroid medications)
- Medical Conditions: Heart diseases (AFib, heart failure), thyroid disorders, anemia, electrolyte imbalances
- Psychological Factors: Panic attacks, anxiety disorders
Serious Risks Associated with Palpitations
While palpitations are often temporary and harmless, they can sometimes indicate serious health problems. Below are potential serious risks associated with palpitations:
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
- Symptoms: Irregular and rapid heart rate, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain
- Risks: Blood can pool in the atria and form clots, increasing the risk of stroke
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)
- Symptoms: Very fast heart rate, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath
- Risks: Sustained VT can progress to ventricular fibrillation (VF), which is life-threatening if not treated immediately
Ventricular Fibrillation (VF)
- Symptoms: Extremely irregular heart rhythm, loss of consciousness, cessation of breathing
- Risks: VF requires emergency medical intervention; immediate defibrillation is critical to prevent death
Heart Failure
- Symptoms: Chronic palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs and ankles
- Risks: Reduced heart function can lead to inadequate blood flow to organs, causing multi-organ failure
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
- Symptoms: Palpitations, chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, sweating
- Risks: Narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries increases the risk of heart attack, which can be fatal if untreated
Panic Disorder
- Symptoms: Palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, excessive anxiety
- Risks: Recurrent panic attacks can significantly reduce quality of life. Chronic stress and anxiety can put extra strain on the heart, increasing the risk of heart disease
It’s important to seek medical attention immediately if the following symptoms occur:
- Sudden, severe palpitations
- Palpitations accompanied by chest pain or pressure
- Palpitations accompanied by shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Dizziness or loss of consciousness
- Frequent episodes of palpitations
- Palpitations lasting more than a few minutes
Persistent or severe palpitations require medical diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention is crucial, especially if there is a risk of arrhythmias or heart disease.
Doctors may conduct the following tests to determine the cause of palpitations:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Records the electrical activity of the heart to detect arrhythmias
- Holter Monitor: Continuous ECG monitoring over 24 hours or more
- Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound to evaluate the structure and function of the heart
- Exercise Stress Test: Observes the heart's response to physical activity
- Blood Tests: Checks for electrolyte imbalances, thyroid function, anemia, and other conditions
