What are the causes of heart palpitations?

There are many potential causes of heart palpitations, including:

1. Anxiety: Anxiety is a common cause of heart palpitations. When you are feeling anxious, your body releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can cause your heart rate to increase and feel like it's racing.

2. Caffeine and nicotine: Caffeine and nicotine are both stimulants that can cause your heart rate to increase. This is usually a temporary effect that goes away once the substance has been eliminated from your body.

3. Alcohol: Alcohol can cause your heart rate to increase, especially if you drink a lot of it. This is because alcohol can damage heart muscle over time, leading to an irregular heartbeat.

4. Thyroid problems: An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause your heart to beat faster than normal. This is because thyroid hormones increase the body's metabolism, which in turn causes your heart rate to increase.

5. Anemia: Anemia is a condition in which your blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to your body's cells, so when you are anemic, your body has to work harder to deliver oxygen to its cells. This can cause your heart rate to increase.

6. Dehydration: Dehydration can cause your heart rate to increase because when you are dehydrated, your blood becomes thicker and more difficult to pump.

7. Medications: Some medications, such as decongestants and asthma medications, can cause heart palpitations as a side effect. If you are experiencing heart palpitations after starting a new medication, it is important to talk to your doctor.

8. Heart conditions: Some heart conditions, such as arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), coronary artery disease, and heart failure, can cause heart palpitations. If you have any of these conditions, it is important to see your doctor for regular checkups.