Palpitations Causes & Management

 

Palpitations are the sensation of rapid, strong or irregular heartbeats. There can be various palpitations causes and they can range from harmless to potentially serious. Palpitations can be benign and related to factors like stress or caffeine consumption, or they can be indicative of a more serious heart condition. 

Palpitations Causes

1. Stress and Anxiety

Emotional stress and anxiety can trigger palpitations (Wexler, R.K., Pleister, A. and Raman, S., 2011. Outpatient approach to palpitations. American Family Physician, 84(1), pp.63-69). The "fight or flight" response can lead to an increased heart rate. For the best insights on palpitations meaning and causes, log into DocTube.

2. Caffeine

Excessive consumption of caffeine, found in coffee, tea, energy drinks and some medications, can stimulate the heart and cause palpitations.

3. Nicotine

Smoking or using nicotine-containing products can stimulate the heart and lead to palpitations.

4. Alcohol

Drinking alcohol in excess or in sensitive individuals can cause palpitations.

5. Dehydration

When the body is dehydrated, it can lead to an electrolyte imbalance, which may result in palpitations.

6. Medications

Some medications, such as certain asthma inhalers, decongestants, and appetite suppressants, can lead to palpitations as a side effect (Abbott, A.V., 2005. Diagnostic approach to palpitations. American family physician, 71(4), pp.743-750).

7. Fever

High fever or illness can cause an increased heart rate and palpitations.

8. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy, menopause, or in individuals with thyroid disorders, can lead to palpitations.

9. Heart Conditions

Various heart conditions, including arrhythmias, heart valve problems, and heart muscle diseases, may also be other palpitations causes (Raviele, A., Giada, F., Bergfeldt, L., Blanc, J.J., Blomstrom-Lundqvist, C., Mont, L., Morgan, J.M., Raatikainen, M.P., Steinbeck, G., Viskin, S. and Document reviewers, 2011. Management of patients with palpitations: a position paper from the European Heart Rhythm Association. Europace, 13(7), pp.920-934). These cases may be more serious and require medical attention.

10. Anemia

A low red blood cell count can lead to reduced oxygen delivery to the body, potentially causing palpitations.

11. Stimulants and Recreational Drugs

The use of stimulant drugs like cocaine or amphetamines, as well as certain recreational drugs, can lead to palpitations.

12. Hyperthyroidism

An overactive thyroid gland can cause an increase in heart rate and palpitations.

13. Electrolyte Imbalances

Abnormal levels of electrolytes like potassium, calcium, or magnesium in the blood can affect the heart's electrical system and cause palpitations (Goyal, A., Robinson, K.J., Katta, S. and Sanchack, K.E., 2017. Palpitation).

14. Foods and Beverages

Some individuals may be sensitive to certain foods or beverages, like spicy foods or high-sugar items, which can trigger palpitations.

15. Lifestyle Factors

Lack of sleep, excessive physical exertion, and even overeating can sometimes lead to palpitations.

It is important to note that occasional palpitations are common and often benign. However, if you experience frequent or severe palpitations, have a history of heart disease, or if they are accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, fainting or shortness of breath, it is crucial to seek medical evaluation and guidance, as they could indicate a more serious underlying condition. Your healthcare provider can conduct tests to determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment or lifestyle changes.

Management of Palpitations

Managing palpitations requires assessing and treating the underlying cause. Here are some general steps to manage palpitations:

1. Identify Triggers

Try to identify and avoid triggers that may be causing your palpitations. This could include reducing caffeine intake, managing stress or avoiding certain medications or substances that exacerbate the problem.

2. Stress Reduction

Practice stress management techniques like deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation to help reduce anxiety-related palpitations (Raviele, A., Giada, F., Bergfeldt, L., Blanc, J.J., Blomstrom-Lundqvist, C., Mont, L., Morgan, J.M., Raatikainen, M.P., Steinbeck, G., Viskin, S. and Document reviewers, 2011. Management of patients with palpitations: a position paper from the European Heart Rhythm Association. Europace, 13(7), pp.920-934).

3. Dietary Changes

Limit or avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, as they can contribute to palpitations in some individuals.

4. Hydration

Ensure you are adequately hydrated, as dehydration can lead to electrolyte imbalances and palpitations.

5. Regular Exercise

Engaging in regular, moderate exercise can help improve overall cardiovascular health and reduce the frequency of palpitations (Houtveen, J.H., Rietveld, S. and De Geus, E.J., 2002. Contribution of tonic vagal modulation of heart rate, central respiratory drive, respiratory depth, and respiratory frequency to respiratory sinus arrhythmia during mental stress and physical exercise. Psychophysiology, 39(4), pp.427-436). However, consult your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have underlying heart conditions.

6. Sleep

Always make sure that you sleep well each night. Lack of sleep can contribute to stress and trigger palpitations in some cases.

7. Medication Adjustment

If your palpitations are associated with certain medications, discuss the possibility of adjusting your medication regimen with your healthcare provider. Do not stop or change medications without their guidance.

8. Manage Underlying Medical Conditions

If you have an underlying medical condition like hyperthyroidism or heart disease, managing that condition with the help of your healthcare provider can often alleviate palpitations.

9. Avoid Stimulants and Recreational Drugs

If you use stimulants or recreational drugs, consider seeking help to quit or reduce your use, as they can be a cause of palpitations.

10. Stay Hydrated

Ensure you are drinking enough water to maintain proper electrolyte balance.

11. Relaxation Techniques

These therapies can help individuals manage stress and anxiety, which may in turn reduce palpitations.

12. Counseling or Therapy

For individuals with anxiety or panic disorders, psychological counseling or therapy may be helpful in addressing the underlying emotional triggers of palpitations.

13. Cardiac Monitoring

In cases where palpitations are frequent, prolonged, or accompanied by concerning symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend cardiac monitoring (Guarracini, F., Testolina, M., Giacopelli, D., Martin, M., Triglione, F., Coser, A., Quintarelli, S., Bonmassari, R. and Marini, M., 2022. Programming optimization in implantable cardiac monitors to reduce false-positive arrhythmia alerts: a call for research. Diagnostics, 12(4), p.994). This can include wearing a Holter monitor or event recorder to capture the heart's electrical activity over an extended period.

14. Medications

 In some cases, if palpitations are due to an arrhythmia or other heart condition, medications may be prescribed to control the irregular heart rhythm.

15. Surgical or Procedural Intervention

In more severe cases of arrhythmias, procedures like catheter ablation or the implantation of a pacemaker may be necessary to manage palpitations.

 

What is the most common cause of palpitations?

 

   

The most common cause of palpitations is anxiety and other causes may include stress, lifestyle factors and intrinsic heart problems.

 

 

Can yoga help in managing heart palpitations?

 

   

Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation and yoga can help in reducing stress, calming the body and thereby preventing palpitations.