Palpitations

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's weight loss doctor NYC
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Palpitations
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Sensation of rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat
Complications	Anxiety, fainting, stroke, heart failure
Onset	Sudden or gradual
Duration	Seconds to minutes
Types	N/A
Causes	Stress, anxiety, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, exercise, medications, arrhythmia
Risks	Heart disease, thyroid disease, anemia, electrolyte imbalance
Diagnosis	Electrocardiogram (ECG), Holter monitor, event monitor, blood tests
Differential diagnosis	Anxiety disorder, panic attack, hyperthyroidism, pheochromocytoma
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Addressing underlying cause, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, antiarrhythmic drugs
Medication	Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common
Deaths	Rarely directly causes death

A sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeat

Palpitations are the perceived abnormality of the heartbeat characterized by awareness of cardiac muscle contractions in the chest. They can be felt as a rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat. Palpitations can be a normal response to stress, anxiety, or physical exertion, but they can also indicate an underlying medical condition.

Causes

Palpitations can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Anxiety and stress
• Exercise
• Caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants
• Fever
• Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during pregnancy or menopause
• Heart disease, such as arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, or heart failure
• Thyroid disorders, such as hyperthyroidism
• Medications, including some used to treat asthma, depression, or hypertension

Symptoms

The primary symptom of palpitations is the sensation of a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Other symptoms that may accompany palpitations include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Sweating
• Fainting or near-fainting

Diagnosis

Diagnosing the cause of palpitations involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Additional tests may include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the electrical activity of the heart
• Holter monitor to record heart rhythms over 24 to 48 hours
• Echocardiogram to assess the structure and function of the heart
• Blood tests to check for thyroid function and other potential causes

Treatment

Treatment for palpitations depends on the underlying cause. Options may include:

• Lifestyle changes, such as reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, managing stress, and quitting smoking
• Medications to control heart rate or rhythm, such as beta-blockers or antiarrhythmic drugs
• Treatment of underlying conditions, such as thyroid disease or heart disease
• In some cases, procedures such as cardioversion or ablation may be necessary

Prevention

Preventing palpitations involves managing risk factors and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Recommendations include:

• Regular exercise
• A balanced diet
• Adequate sleep
• Stress management techniques, such as yoga or meditation

When to Seek Medical Attention

While palpitations are often harmless, it is important to seek medical attention if they are accompanied by:

• Severe chest pain
• Fainting
• Severe shortness of breath
• A history of heart disease

See also

• Arrhythmia
• Atrial fibrillation
• Heart disease
• Thyroid disorders