Palpitations

Palpitations are sensations of perceived abnormal heart rhythms, characterized by awareness of cardiac muscle contractions in the chest, throat, or neck. They are often described as the heart skipping a beat, fluttering, pounding, or beating too hard or too fast. While often not serious, palpitations may be a sign of more serious heart conditions.

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Signs and Symptoms

In addition to the sensation of the heart beating abnormally, palpitations can be accompanied by dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting or near fainting, and anxiety. The frequency and duration of these episodes can vary significantly among individuals.

Causes

Palpitations can have many causes. Heart conditions that can cause palpitations include arrhythmia, heart disease, heart failure, heart valve disease, and heart attack. Other medical conditions such as thyroid disease, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, fever, and dehydration can also cause palpitations. Non-medical causes can include stress, anxiety, panic attacks, exercise, caffeine, nicotine, and certain medications.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is primarily based on the person's symptoms and medical history. A physical exam and various tests may be performed to rule out heart problems as the cause. These tests can include an EKG, Holter monitor, and echo to visualize the heart's structure and function.

Treatment

Treatment of palpitations depends on their cause. If they are due to a heart condition, treatment may involve medications, procedures, or surgery to correct the underlying problem. If the palpitations are caused by lifestyle factors or other non-heart-related conditions, changes in habits (such as reducing caffeine or alcohol intake), stress management techniques, or treatment of the underlying condition may be recommended.

Prognosis

Palpitations themselves are usually benign and often resolve without treatment. However, the prognosis depends largely on the underlying cause of the palpitations. If they are caused by serious heart conditions such as heart disease or arrhythmia, prognosis may be less favorable without appropriate treatment.

Prevention

Prevention strategies largely depend on the underlying cause. For palpitations linked to lifestyle factors, recommendations usually include moderation or avoidance of caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine; maintaining a healthy diet; getting regular exercise; and managing stress and anxiety.

See Also

• Arrhythmia
• Heart disease
• Panic attack
• Stress
• Anxiety

References

Palpitations Resources
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