Heart Palpitations? Causes

Heart palpitations are a common complaint, affecting up to one in four people at some point in their lives. They can be a sign of a variety of underlying medical conditions, some of which can be serious.

Common causes of heart palpitations include:

* Anxiety: Anxiety is a common trigger for heart palpitations. When you're anxious, your heart rate and breathing may increase, and you may feel like your chest is pounding or racing.

* Caffeine: Caffeine can also cause heart palpitations, especially in people who are sensitive to its effects. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate.

* Smoking: Smoking can damage the heart and blood vessels, and it can also increase the risk of heart palpitations.

* Alcohol: Alcohol can also trigger heart palpitations, especially in people who drink heavily.

* Medications: Some medications can cause heart palpitations as a side effect. These include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, and thyroid medications.

* Hormonal changes: Women may experience heart palpitations during pregnancy, menopause, and menstruation.

* Medical conditions: Heart palpitations can also be a sign of a variety of medical conditions, including heart disease, thyroid problems, anemia, and arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms).

If you're experiencing heart palpitations, it's important to see your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Your doctor may order tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or a Holter monitor to evaluate your heart rhythm. Treatment for heart palpitations will depend on the underlying cause.

In most cases, heart palpitations are not a sign of a serious medical condition and will go away on their own. However, if you're experiencing heart palpitations that are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, it's important to see your doctor right away.