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Fluttering heart: Knowing when to seek medical attention

Learn about heart flutters, known as heart palpitations, their causes, when to seek medical attention, and treatment options. Understand the difference between harmless palpitations and those requiring immediate care by patriciadelgado
Estimated reading time: 3 min 42 sec
Fluttering heart: Knowing when to seek medical attention Photo by Ryutaro Tsukata on Pexels

Fluttering heart sensations, also known as heart palpitations, can be an unsettling and alarming experience. The feeling of your heart skipping a beat or racing can cause anxiety and concern.

While some heart flutters are harmless and temporary, others may require medical attention. In this article, we will explore the different causes of heart flutters and when seeking medical help is necessary.

What Causes Heart Flutters?

Heart flutters can be caused by various factors. The most common causes include:.

  • Anxiety and stress: Excessive stress and anxiety can lead to an increased heart rate and palpitations.
  • Caffeine and stimulants: Consuming too much caffeine or other stimulants like nicotine can trigger heart flutters.
  • Medication side effects: Certain medications, such as asthma inhalers, decongestants, and thyroid medications, can cause heart palpitations as a side effect.
  • Physical exertion: Intense exercise or physical activity can temporarily cause your heart to flutter or beat rapidly.
  • Abnormal heart rhythms: Conditions like atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia can result in palpitations and irregular heart rhythms.
  • Underlying heart conditions: Heart diseases like coronary artery disease, heart attacks, or valve abnormalities can cause heart flutters.

When Should You Worry?

Although heart flutters are often harmless, there are instances when seeking medical attention is crucial.

1. Intense or Prolonged Flutters:

If the flutters are severe, last for an extended period, or occur frequently, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional.

2. Accompanied Symptoms:

If heart palpitations are accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting, it may indicate an underlying heart condition that requires immediate attention.

3. History of Heart Disease:

Individuals with a history of heart disease or other heart conditions should always consult a doctor when experiencing heart flutters, even if they seem minor.

4. Disrupting Daily Life:

If heart flutters interfere with your daily routine, such as causing distractions, anxiety, or significant discomfort, it is advisable to seek medical advice.

5. Recurring Episodes:

If heart flutters recur frequently, it is important to have them evaluated by a healthcare professional, as they could be a sign of an underlying condition that needs treatment.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

There are certain scenarios where immediate medical attention is necessary:.

1. Syncope or Fainting:

If heart flutters are accompanied by fainting or loss of consciousness, it indicates a potentially severe underlying issue and requires immediate medical help.

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2. Severe Chest Pain:

Intense or prolonged chest pain along with heart palpitations could be a sign of a heart attack. Calling emergency services immediately is crucial.

3. Difficulty Breathing:

If heart flutters are accompanied by severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, it may indicate a serious heart or lung condition that needs immediate attention.

4. Extreme Weakness:

If heart palpitations are accompanied by extreme weakness or an inability to perform daily tasks, it could be indicative of a critical cardiac issue. Seek emergency medical care.

Medical Evaluation and Diagnosis

When seeking medical attention for heart palpitations, the healthcare professional will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the cause. The evaluation may include:.

  • Medical history: Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and any medications you are currently taking.
  • Physical examination: A physical examination, including checking your blood pressure, listening to your heart, and examining your overall health, will be conducted.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG records the electrical activity of your heart, helping identify any abnormalities or irregularities.
  • Additional tests: In some cases, further tests such as a Holter monitor, echocardiogram, stress test, or blood work may be ordered to provide more information.

Treatment Options

The treatment for heart flutters depends on the underlying cause and severity of the palpitations. The options may include:.

Lifestyle Changes:

Modifying certain lifestyle factors like reducing stress, limiting caffeine and stimulant intake, getting regular exercise, and improving sleep patterns may help alleviate heart flutters caused by lifestyle habits.

Medication:

In some cases, medication may be prescribed to control abnormal heart rhythms or manage underlying heart conditions.

Cardioversion:

In certain situations, cardioversion may be performed to restore a normal heart rhythm using electrical shocks or medications.

Ablation:

Ablation is a procedure that uses heat, cold, or radiofrequency energy to destroy the tissue causing abnormal heart rhythms.

Surgery:

In severe cases where other treatments fail, surgical interventions like implanting a pacemaker or performing a bypass surgery may be necessary.

Preventing Heart Flutters

While some causes of heart flutters cannot be prevented, there are measures you can take to reduce the frequency and severity of palpitations:.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

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