Heart Palpatations Conditions & Symptoms

Heart palpitations are typically identified with a flutter or an increase in your heart rate. They are common when they occur over a short period of time. An abnormal heartbeat for a longer period of time may be the cause of something more severe. There are several factors that may affect your heart rate. It is important to make yourself aware of any irregularity in your heart and to report prolonged abnormalities to your physician.

Facts

• Heart palpitations are associated with the feeling of a heart that beats differently than normal. They are rarely associated with a serious medical condition such as heart disease or abnormal heart rhythms. When they are not associated with a medical condition, heart palpitations are considered harmless. The normal heart beat is 60 to 100 per minute. Tachycardia is when your heart beats over 100 beats per minute. Bradycardia is when your heart beats much slower than normal. Extrasystole is when there is an extra occasional heartbeat.

Identification

• There are several ways to identify if you are having heart palpitations. The primary symptoms of heart palpitation are skipped heartbeats, heartbeats that are too fast, fluttering heartbeats or a harder heartbeat than usual. Heart palpitations are often times felt other places than your heart such as your neck, throat and your chest. These symptoms may be felt at any time or place including non active activist, sleep and standing. It is important to know what triggers your heart palpitations.

Causes

• The cause of heart palpitations may not always be known or detected by a physician. The most common causes are emotional responses such as stress or anxiety, caffeine, extreme exercise, fever or nicotine. Hormonal changes in women such as pregnancy, menstruation or menopause may also cause heart palpitations. Certain cough and cold medications that contain a stimulant can increase the heart rate. Asthma inhalers that contain a stimulant may also be a cause of heart palpitations.

Prevention/Solution

• Heart palpitations that are not related to another more serious condition typically do not require treatment, surgery or medication. To avoid heart palpitations, you should try and reduce your stress levels. You can reduce your anxiety and stress levels by practicing relaxation exercises such as yoga or talking to stress free friends and family. Avoid certain foods and drinks that contain stimulants such as energy drinks, caffeinated drinks, medicine with stimulants and smoking. Certain illegal drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy may also trigger heart palpitations.

Warning

• Heart palpitations may be a symptom of a more serious condition such as hyperthyroidism, which is an overactive thyroid gland or arrhythmia, which is an abnormal heart rhythm. It is important to notify your doctor to determine your health. Those who have anxiety disorder, panic attacks or have had a previous heart attack are at an increased risk to experience heart palpitations. Those who are pregnant or in highly stressful environments are also at a higher risk.