Have you ever felt like your heart was suddenly beating faster and faster? Or maybe it was beating once, then stopped and then started beating again? Maybe it felt like a butterfly fluttering in your chest? This strange heart beat is what we medically call Heart Palpitations. This is something that most people experience at least once in their lives. So before we get scared about it, let's understand what it is exactly.
What exactly are these heart palpitations?
Simply put, Heart Palpitations are when you feel your heart beating faster and harder than usual . Normally, we don't always hear or feel our heart beating. But when these palpitations occur, you can feel them in your chest, neck, or even throat.
Imagine, when you are just relaxing or doing a normal task, your heart suddenly starts pounding. This can be a scary experience. But the best thing is, most of the time these palpitations are not something serious or dangerous . However, in rare cases, this can be due to an abnormal heart rhythm. In such cases, it is very important to seek medical advice.
Who is more likely to experience this condition?
This is something that can happen to anyone. However, surveys have found that this condition is slightly more common among women. It can also occur at different times in life. For example:
- At a young age
- During pregnancy
- During menopause
It's so common that one study found that 16% of people see their family doctor because of palpitations. That means you're not alone, many others have experienced this.
What symptoms are you experiencing?
When you have heart palpitations, your heart can feel like it's beating in different ways. Let's take a look at how that happens.
| How you feel | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Heart racing | Feeling like your heart is beating very fast and continuously. |
| Pounding | Feeling like your heart is pounding in your chest, pounding loudly. |
| Missing a beat | The feeling of your heart beating and then suddenly missing a beat. |
| Like having an extra beat | It feels like there's suddenly an extra beat in addition to the normal rhythm. |
| Flip-flopping | A strange feeling, like my heart is spinning inside my chest. |
| Like a butterfly fluttering (Fluttering) | Feeling like a very subtle, rapid throbbing in the chest. |
Most importantly, if you already have heart disease, risk factors for heart disease (e.g. diabetes, high cholesterol), or any abnormalities in your heart valves, palpitations like this are more likely to be a symptom of a serious condition.
What are the causes of increased heart rate?
There are many things that can cause this. Some are very simple. Let's look at the main reasons.
- Psychological emotions: This condition can be caused by feelings of fear, stress, and anxiety . This happens to many people when an exam is approaching or before an interview.
- Exercise: It is normal for your heart rate to increase during strenuous exercise.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the blood volume in the body increases, causing the heart to work harder. Therefore, it is common to experience palpitations.
- Caffeine: Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, and some soft drinks , can increase heart rate.
- Some medical conditions: Overactive thyroid, low blood sugar, potassium, or oxygen levels, anemia, dehydration, and fever.
- Some medications: asthma inhalers, some beta-blockers for high blood pressure, thyroid hormone medications, and some medications to control heart rhythm.
- Medicines for cough and cold: This condition can also be caused by some of the chemicals (decongestants) contained in these medicines.
- Tobacco and nicotine: Use of cigarettes and other tobacco products.
- Alcohol and drugs: Alcohol consumption and the use of drugs such as cocaine.
Have you ever felt this, especially in times like these?
It is common for these palpitations to occur in certain situations.
When you feel stressed or afraid
When you feel stressed, scared, or anxious, your body responds. As part of that response, your heart may beat faster.
After eating
Some people experience palpitations, especially after eating spicy or fatty foods . It can also happen after drinking caffeinated beverages or alcohol.
At night
The same palpitations that occur during the day are also present at night. But at night, because we are quiet and not concentrating on anything else, we start to feel this heartbeat more clearly . That's why it feels like it's more intense at night.
When you are stuck
Some people can also experience palpitations due to the pressure on their bodies when they sleep on their side.
During pregnancy
As we've discussed before, during pregnancy, the mother's heart has to work harder to provide the baby with the nutrients it needs. As a result, the heart rate increases, and palpitations are common and often harmless.
How do you find this, Doctor?
When you see a doctor for this problem, he will first listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope. In addition, he will ask you about the following:
- Your complete medical history
- Symptoms you are experiencing
- Your diet
- Medications and other supplements you use
It is very important that you tell the doctor exactly these details:
- Since when does this happen? How often does it happen?
- How long has it been since you last came?
- How do you feel at that time?
- What were you doing when it started?
- Does it decrease when you do something?
You may not have palpitations when you see your doctor. In such cases, the doctor will ask you to tap your fingers to show the rhythm of your heart.
Tests if necessary
If you want to find the exact cause, your doctor may recommend several tests like this.
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
- Stress test
- An ultrasound scan of the heart (Echocardiogram)
- A ``Holter monitor'' that you wear for 24 hours or more. This records your heart activity throughout the day.
- An electrophysiology study
- Cardiac catheterization
What are the treatments and ways to control this?
The best treatment for you will depend on the cause of your palpitations. In most cases, no treatment is needed.
If the cause is stress or anxiety , you can control it with calming things like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises. If the cause is caffeine , you will need to reduce your intake of things like coffee and tea.
However, if you have a heart condition or an abnormal heart rhythm, it may require medication, a procedure, surgery, or a device. Therefore, it is essential to follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
You can reduce this condition by making some simple changes to your lifestyle. Staying away from alcohol and smoking, eating a balanced diet, and consulting a doctor and starting an exercise program that is right for you will be very helpful.
What are the times when you should be worried? When should you see a doctor immediately?
This is the most important part. Although palpitations are usually not dangerous, if they are accompanied by the following symptoms, it could be a sign of a serious condition. So be very careful about this.
| Cases requiring emergency medical treatment (call 1990 immediately or go to the ETU) | |
|---|---|
| Symptom | Description |
| Passing out | If you lose consciousness along with your heart rate increasing. |
| Severe chest pain or tightness | Severe pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest, neck, jaw, arm, or upper back. |
| Difficulty breathing | Difficulty breathing, a feeling of suffocation. |
| When to see a doctor quickly | |
| Dizziness or lightheadedness | Dizziness or vertigo . |
| Unusual sweating | Excessive sweating for no particular reason. |
| Palpitations becoming more frequent or severe | If your heart rate is more frequent than usual or if it gets worse each time. |
Take-Home Message
- Heart palpitations are the feeling of your heart beating abnormally. This is very common and is usually not a dangerous condition.
- This can often be caused by lifestyle factors such as stress, caffeine, certain foods, and exercise.
- Keep a note of what you feel when you have palpitations, when they occur, and how long they have been present. This will be very helpful to your doctor.
- If palpitations are accompanied by symptoms such as severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness , it is an emergency. Seek immediate medical attention.
- If you have the slightest doubt or fear about this, never hesitate to see a doctor and seek advice .
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