Heart palpitations refer to the sensation of an unusual or irregular heartbeat. This experience can feel startling because most people are generally unaware of their heart’s continuous beating. They are a common occurrence, affecting many individuals. While often benign, understanding these sensations is important.
What Heart Palpitations Feel Like
Individuals describe heart palpitations in various ways. Common sensations include a feeling of the heart “skipping a beat” or adding an extra beat. Other descriptions include a rapid fluttering in the chest, a strong pounding, or a sense of the heart racing quickly. These sensations can be felt in the chest, throat, or neck. They may feel like the heart’s rhythm is momentarily off, beating too hard, or faster than usual.
Everyday Causes of Palpitations
Many common factors can lead to heart palpitations. Stress and anxiety frequently trigger these sensations by activating the body’s “fight or flight” response, which releases hormones that increase heart rate and blood pressure, making the heart beat faster or more forcefully. Caffeine and nicotine, both stimulants, can also affect the heart by promoting the release of these hormones, potentially leading to a faster heart rate or irregular beats.
Dehydration can also contribute to palpitations because when the body lacks sufficient fluids, the heart must work harder to circulate blood, which can increase heart rate. Hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can influence the heart’s electrical activity and rhythm, leading to palpitations. Intense physical exercise, certain medications, and insufficient sleep can also cause temporary increases in heart rate or changes in rhythm.
Signs Your Palpitations Might Be Serious
While many palpitations are harmless, certain accompanying symptoms can indicate a more significant underlying issue. Chest pain or pressure alongside palpitations is a concerning sign, as it could suggest issues with blood flow to the heart or other cardiac conditions. Shortness of breath with palpitations may point to problems with heart function or lung capacity.
Dizziness or lightheadedness with palpitations can indicate that the brain is not receiving enough blood flow due to an irregular heart rhythm. Fainting or near-fainting spells are serious indicators, as they suggest a temporary loss of adequate blood supply to the brain, often due to a cardiac rhythm disturbance. Excessive or unusual sweating, especially when not due to physical exertion or heat, can also be a symptom accompanying more serious cardiac events. Palpitations that last for a prolonged duration, occur frequently, or worsen over time are also reasons for concern.
When to Seek Medical Care
Prompt medical evaluation is important if heart palpitations are accompanied by specific, concerning symptoms. If palpitations occur with chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, seek immediate medical attention. These combinations of symptoms could signal a serious cardiac problem that requires urgent assessment. Calling emergency services is appropriate in such situations.
Even without severe accompanying symptoms, scheduling an appointment with a doctor is recommended if palpitations are persistent, occur frequently, or are worsening. Consult a healthcare provider if there is a known heart condition, a family history of heart problems, or if the palpitations cause significant anxiety or impact daily life. A medical professional can assess the situation and determine if further investigation, such as heart monitoring tests, is needed to identify the underlying cause and ensure appropriate management.