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Palpitations: When Your Heart Beats a Rapid Drumbeat!

Writer's picture: Pierluigi CostanzoPierluigi Costanzo

What Are Palpitations?

Palpitations are a very common experience that many people have at some point in their lives. They are best described as being acutely aware of your heartbeat. This awareness can make you feel that your heart is beating hard, thumping, racing, fluttering, or even skipping beats. Palpitations can be alarming, but they are usually harmless and not necessarily a sign of a heart problem. However, it is important to know why they occur and when you should seek medical advice.


Causes of Palpitations

There are many different causes of palpitations. They may be caused by normal physiological reasons, or they may be caused by more serious medical problems.


Normal Causes

The most common reasons for palpitations are normal physiological responses to particular stimuli. For example, playing sport, being worried or excited, or drinking caffeine can all cause your heart to beat more forcefully or quickly. These are usually harmless and tend to settle down by themselves.


Arrhythmias and Medical Problems

Sometimes palpitations may be caused by an arrhythmia (a problem with the heart rhythm). Arrhythmias can range from completely harmless to potentially life-threatening. Other medical problems, such as having an overactive thyroid, being anaemic, or having a leaking heart valve, can also cause palpitations.


When Palpitations Are Not a Cause for Concern

Most palpitations are not a cause for concern, and many people who have no heart disease experience palpitations. Palpitations may occur in the absence of any serious underlying cause, and there are some reassuring facts concerning palpitations: Common and Harmless: Palpitations are very common, and most of the time they are harmless. They may occur in people who are perfectly well and who do not have a heart problem.


If palpitations are infrequent, short-lived, and not associated with other symptoms such as chest discomfort or fainting, they are generally not a cause for concern. Lifestyle factors such as stress, caffeine, and lack of sleep can often be the cause.


The Importance of Investigations

Although palpitations are usually harmless, it is important to investigate them to rule out any serious underlying conditions, particularly arrhythmias. Potential Underlying Arrhythmias: Some arrhythmias can cause complications if left untreated. For example, atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of a stroke, and ventricular tachycardia can cause death. Therefore, it is important to identify and treat any underlying arrhythmias.


Importance of Medical Evaluation

If you experience frequent palpitations, or if your palpitations are accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath, you should seek medical advice. Your doctor can perform tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) and ECG ambulatory monitor to assess your heart rhythm and determine whether further investigations are needed.


Conclusion

Palpitations can occur for a variety of reasons, most of which are harmless. However, since they may sometimes be a sign of an underlying arrhythmia or other medical problem, it is important to pay attention to their frequency and associated symptoms. If you have any concerns, you should not hesitate to seek medical advice.


At My Heart we can help you obtaining an ECG monitor, an echocardiogram or a cardiology consultation. You can book directly by clicking here or calling 01223 782462 or emailing info@myheartuk.com


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