The heart is a muscle that adjusts its rhythm according to the body's need for oxygen and nutrients. Therefore, it is normal to experience heart palpitations in certain situations, such as during physical exertion, stress, anxiety, or fear. Infections, fever, and pain can also cause an increased heart rate. These transient reactions are usually completely normal and harmless to the heart. However, strong and persistent heart palpitations can be a sign of something serious and require medical assessment.
Heart palpitations, or palpitations in medical terms, are common in both adults and children. Research shows that the heart normally beats extra beats every day. If you experience palpitations along with chest pain, dizziness, or feeling faint, you should seek emergency care immediately.
Symptoms of heart palpitations include the heart beating:
- Extra fast
- Heart racing or irregular heartbeats
- Sometimes it can feel like a double beat followed by a short pause
Palpitations can be temporary and disappear on their own, or they can be a symptom of underlying health problems. Palpitations can also be caused by severe anxiety or panic attacks. In women, hormonal changes can cause palpitations, for example, during pregnancy or menopause.
If you experience heart palpitations and it worries you, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, or loss of consciousness, you should seek medical help to obtain a correct diagnosis and potential treatment. A doctor can perform a thorough examination and assess your symptoms to determine the cause of the palpitations and provide appropriate care.
Causes of heart palpitations
There are several causes of heart palpitations, and they can be related to various factors including the heart, stress, diet, and other medical conditions. Here are some common causes of palpitations:
- Stress and anxiety: Strong emotions like stress, anxiety, and fear can cause palpitations.
- Physical activity: Increased physical activity or exertion can make the heart beat faster, leading to palpitations.
- Caffeine and alcohol: Caffeinated beverages and alcohol can increase the heart rate and cause palpitations in some individuals.
- Nicotine: Smoking and nicotine from tobacco can be a triggering factor for palpitations.
- Thyroid disease: Both an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can affect the heart and cause palpitations.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as those containing amphetamines, or asthma and allergy medications, can have side effects that include palpitations.
- Heart disease: Certain heart diseases, such as heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias), can lead to irregular heartbeats and palpitations.
- Anemia: Low levels of red blood cells (anemia) can cause palpitations due to a lack of oxygen reaching the body's tissues, including the heart.
- Pheochromocytoma: This is a rare tumor of the adrenal glands that can cause increased production of adrenaline, leading to palpitations.
- Infections: Certain infections, especially those affecting the heart, can cause palpitations.
- Respiratory issues: Breathing problems such as sleep apnea or hyperventilation can also trigger palpitations.