What Do Heart Palpitations Mean?

Heart palpitations are characterized by a sensation of a racing or pounding heartbeat. Heart palpitations can be alarming but are not usually indicative of a serious medical condition.

Considerations

• A normal heart rate is between 60 to 100 beats per minute. A heart rate over 100 beats per minute is called tachycardia. An infrequent extra heartbeat is referred to as extrasystole.

Causes

• Heart palpitations can be caused by anxiety, exercise, fear, anemia, caffeine, certain medications or heart disease.

Risk Factors

• Heart palpitations sometimes indicate an abnormal heart rhythm, which is known as arrhythmia. Risk factors for arrhythmia include an abnormal heart valve or an abnormality in the electrolyte levels in your blood.

Treatment

• Reducing stress and anxiety levels, as well limiting as caffeine intake, can often reduce heart palpitations. Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques can also be helpful.

Warning

• Seek immediate medical attention if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness or dizziness.