Heart palpitations are a common sensation where individuals become unusually aware of their own heartbeat. While often benign, these sensations can sometimes signal an underlying health concern. This article explores the nature of heart palpitations and identifies circumstances when they might indicate a more serious condition.
What Are Heart Palpitations?
Heart palpitations describe feelings that the heart is beating unusually, such as racing, pounding, fluttering, or skipping beats. These sensations can be felt in the chest, throat, or neck. They can occur at any time, whether at rest or during activity. While often unsettling, they are frequently not indicative of a serious problem.
Many common factors can trigger heart palpitations. These triggers include emotional responses like stress, anxiety, or panic. Certain substances such as caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol can induce them. Intense physical activity, hormonal fluctuations due to pregnancy or menopause, and even some over-the-counter medications can lead to these sensations.
Red Flag Symptoms for Concerning Palpitations
While many palpitations are harmless, certain accompanying symptoms serve as red flags, indicating a serious underlying issue. These symptoms suggest that the heart may not be effectively circulating blood, and they warrant prompt medical evaluation. Experiencing dizziness or lightheadedness alongside palpitations is a concerning sign. Fainting or near-fainting spells are also serious indicators that require immediate attention.
Chest pain or discomfort, including pressure or tightness, concurrent with palpitations, is a warning symptom. Shortness of breath, severe sweating, or unusual fatigue that occurs with palpitations also indicates concern. These symptoms suggest that the heart’s pumping function may be compromised.
Underlying Medical Conditions Associated with Dangerous Palpitations
When heart palpitations are accompanied by red flag symptoms, they can point to specific medical conditions affecting the heart’s function or rhythm. Irregular heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias, are common causes of concerning palpitations. Conditions like atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, or ventricular tachycardia can cause the heart to beat too fast or irregularly, which can lead to inefficient blood pumping.
Structural heart diseases, such as problems with heart valves or weakened heart muscle (cardiomyopathy), can also manifest as dangerous palpitations. These conditions can impair the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, leading to symptoms like dizziness or chest pain. Other non-cardiac conditions, including an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), electrolyte imbalances, or severe anemia, can also contribute to dangerous palpitations by affecting heart rate and rhythm or reducing oxygen delivery.
When to Seek Medical Attention and What to Expect
Knowing when to seek medical attention for heart palpitations is important. Immediate emergency care is necessary if palpitations are accompanied by severe chest pain, fainting, persistent shortness of breath, or severe dizziness. In such cases, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room; do not attempt to drive yourself.
For frequent or worsening palpitations without these severe red flag symptoms, a non-urgent consultation with a doctor is appropriate. During a medical evaluation, a healthcare provider will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical examination, including listening to the heart. Diagnostic tests may include:
Electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the heart’s electrical activity.
Holter monitor for continuous heart rhythm recording.
Event recorder for less frequent episodes.
Blood tests to check for conditions like thyroid disorders or electrolyte imbalances.