Heart palpitations are when you feel your heartbeat more noticeably and may give a feeling of having a fast, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat. They are often triggered by stress, anxiety, caffeine, alcohol, exercise, nicotine, or medication.
Palpitations can be worrisome, however, it’s very rare that a heart palpitation is due to a more serious heart condition that might require treatment.
Common causes of heart palpitations include:
- Strong emotions, such as stress, anxiety, or panic attacks
- Depression
- Strenuous exercise
- Stimulants, such as caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines, and cold/cough medications which contain pseudoephedrine.
- Fever
- Hormone changes associated with menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.
- Too much or too little thyroid hormone
Occasionally, heart palpitations can be a sign of a serious problem, such as arrythmias (an irregular heartbeat) or a more serious heart condition so it’s always a good idea to get checked out by your doctor.
Get immediate medical attention if they come with:
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Fainting
If there’s no underlying cause, lifestyle changes can help, including stress management.
Bibliography:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/ diseases-conditions/heart-palpitations/symptoms-causes/syc-20373196
https://www.webmd.com/ heart-disease/guide/what-causes-heart-palpitations
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