How to Prevent a Racing Heart

A racing heart, also known as heart palpitations, can be uncomfortable and distressing. You may feel as though your heart is quickly fluttering, skipping beats or pounding right out of your chest. Heart palpitations can have many causes, including potentially dangerous ones such as arrhythmia to more common, innocuous sources such as stress or too much caffeine. After visiting your primary care practitioner to rule out any serious causes, you can take action to stop and prevent your heart from racing.

Instructions

• 1

  Reduce stress. One of the most common causes of a racing heart is stress or anxiety. When you feel stressed out, prevent a racing heart by meditating, praying or resting quietly. Recline in a comfortable position and listen to soft music or soothing sounds, such as a CD of ocean waves or a gentle storm. If you are not able to take time out to relax in this manner---like if you are at work---simply close your eyes for a few moments and imagine an idyllic scene.

• 2

  Cut back on stimulants. Consider your diet, medication and habits. Discern what items might be causing your heart to race. Some common culprits include caffeine, nicotine, sugar and alcohol. Reduce your intake or give them up altogether. Some medications can cause heart palpitations as well. Talk to your doctor to see if there are alternatives that will not cause your heart to race.

• 3

  Exercise consistently. Regular aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming or biking, has many beneficial side affects that can help prevent a racing heart. It will relieve stress, reduce anxiety and improve your health, which are all likely to reduce heart palpitations.

• 4

  Write in a journal when you feel your heart racing. Journaling is a healthy way to release anxiety and discover stressors about which you may not have been consciously aware. In addition, tracking heart palpitations can help you determine their underlying causes.

• 5

  Take deep breaths. When you are experiencing anxiety, you may unknowingly hold your breath. This can cause your heart to race. When you feel tense or anxious, perform some deep breathing exercises. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, hold your breath for several seconds and then exhale gradually yet forcefully through your mouth. Repeat several times until your stress diminishes.