Fact Checked
Heart palpitations are sensations that the heart has skipped a beat or added an extra beating. Generally, there is a feeling that the heart is pounding, racing or fluttering. These sensations can be felt in the throat, neck, or chest. Heart rhythm can change during palpitations.
Symptoms of heart palpitations
- At first, fluttering
- Skipping beats
- Beating too fast
- Lastly, pumping harder
Palpitations can be felt whether the person is active or at rest, and standing, seated or lying down.
Causes
- Caffeine
- Strong emotional responses such as stress or anxiety
- Nicotine
- Fever
- Strenuous exercises
- Hormonal changes due to menstruation, pregnancy or menopause
- Taking asthma inhaler medications that has stimulants
- Taking cough and cold medications with pseudoephedrine which is a stimulant
- Caused by some conditions such as hypothyroidism or an overactive thyroid gland, arrhythmia which is abnormal heart rhythm, tachycardia or very fast heart beat and bradycardia or having an irregular heart rhythm.
Treatment
- Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Generally, when the body is dehydrated the blood becomes thicker and makes it hard to move through the veins. In addition, this will result to an increase in pulse rate and cause heart palpitation. If color of urine is dark yellow, drink plenty of fluids to prevent palpitations.
- Avoid being stressed to prevent palpitation becoming worse. Furthermore, control stress by performing relaxation techniques such as yoga, Tai chi and meditation.
- Restore electrolyte balance which is important for the proper functioning of the heart. These electrolytes include calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium. In addition, another alternative is consuming foods rich in electrolytes such as bananas, sweet potatoes, avocados, and spinach. To increase calcium intake, consume dark green leafy vegetables and dairy products. Consume deli meats and canned soups which are rich in sodium. Take the prescribed supplements to maintain electrolyte balance and to prevent overdose of these supplements.
- Avoid stimulants such as caffeinated beverages and foods; excessive alcohol; cold and cough medications; tobacco products and marijuana; appetite suppressants; medications for mental illness; medications for high blood pressure and illegal drugs such as cocaine, speed or methamphetamines to lessen or stop the symptoms.
- Lastly, perform regular exercises for at least two and a half hours every week.
Tips
- Keep the LDL or “bad” cholesterol low. Minimize consumption of saturated fats.
- Eat a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains.
- Check blood pressure regularly. Sometimes high blood pressure has no symptoms. In addition, take medication regularly, perform exercises and eating well.
- Avoid being overweight or obese to prevent the risk of developing a heart disease. Lose weight with the help of the cholesterol counts and the blood pressure levels.
- Adult with diabetes have a high risk of developing heart disease. Generally, maintain levels of blood sugar within the normal ranges. Eat well, performing exercises regularly and maintaining blood sugar levels with medications.
- Lastly, quit smoking to lessen the risk of developing stroke, heart disease, lung disease and certain cancers.
FACT CHECK
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heart-palpitations/
https://www.healthline.com/symptom/palpitations
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/what-causes-heart-palpitations#1