Heart palpitations are irregular heartbeats. They can be concerning, especially if they occur suddenly or frequently. While occasional palpitations are often harmless, it’s important to recognize when they might indicate a more serious condition.
Heart palpitations may feel like your heart is:
- Missing beats
- Racing
- Pounding
- Beating more often than normal
- Flip-flopping
- Fluttering
Sustained or continuous irregular heartbeats, unlike palpitations that are typically brief, may indicate a more serious condition.
Common Causes of Heart Palpitations
Heart palpitations can result from:
- Anxiety and stress
- Caffeine and alcohol consumption
- Medications, such as decongestants or certain heart medications
- Thyroid issues, like hyperthyroidism
- Electrolyte imbalances, like low potassium or magnesium levels
- Pregnancy
- Exercise
- Recreational drugs
- Some herbal preparations
When to Seek Medical Attention
You should consider consulting a health care provider if you experience:
- Frequent extra heartbeats (more than six per minute)
- Palpitations that feel different than usual
- A resting pulse over 100 beats per minute
- Palpitations in a setting of other conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure
Seek immediate care if your palpitations become sustained or are accompanied by:
- Loss of consciousness
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Excessive sweating
- Shortness of breath
These symptoms may indicate a serious medical issue.
Managing Heart Palpitations
To manage palpitations, consider lifestyle changes such as:
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol
- Staying hydrated
- Managing stress through relaxation techniques
- Modifying exercise intensity if needed
If medications are the cause, talk to your health care provider about alternatives. Treating underlying health conditions can also help alleviate symptoms.
Listening to your body and understanding your triggers is key in managing heart palpitations effectively. If you're ever in doubt, don't hesitate to reach out to a health care professional.
Heart Care at University Health
Learn more about the heart care services we offer at University Health.
