Hearing and feeling your heart fluttering?
Possible Causes of Heart Fluttering- Palpitations: Occasional heart flutters are often caused by skipped heartbeats, also called palpitations. These can be caused by various factors, including stress, anxiety, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, dehydration, lack of sleep, and hormonal changes.
-Arrhythmias:Some heart flutters may be due to arrhythmias, which are abnormal heart rhythms. Arrhythmias can range from benign (non-life-threatening) to serious, requiring medical attention. They may cause a rapid, slow, or irregular heartbeat. Common types include atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia, and ventricular tachycardia.
-Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP):A condition where the mitral valve (a valve between two heart chambers) doesn't close properly, resulting in heart murmurs and occasionally palpitations.
-Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can cause heart palpitations and other signs like weight loss, heat intolerance, and increased appetite.
-Anemia:Low red blood cell count or hemoglobin levels can cause the heart to work harder, leading to heart palpitations.
-Electrolyte Imbalances:Abnormalities in electrolyte levels (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium) can affect heart function and cause arrhythmias.
-Underlying Conditions:Heart flutters can be associated with other medical conditions like heart disease, coronary artery disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure.
-Medications:Certain medications (e.g., beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers) can have side effects that involve heart flutters.
If you're experiencing frequent or bothersome heart flutters, it's essential to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and management. The doctor may recommend tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG) or a Holter monitor to record your heart's electrical activity. Treatment options for heart flutters vary based on the underlying cause.