Have you ever felt a sudden fluttering in your chest? This sensation is known as heart palpitations. Heart palpitations can be unsettling, especially if you’re not sure what’s causing them.

In this article, we will discuss what heart palpitations are, what causes them, and when it’s time to see a doctor.

What are heart palpitations?

Heart palpitations are a feeling of your heart racing, fluttering or skipping a beat. Sometimes, you may also notice a pounding sensation in your chest or throat. Although heart palpitations can be alarming, they are typically not a cause for concern.

In fact, heart palpitations are quite common and can occur due to a variety of reasons such as:.

Stress or anxiety
Caffeine consumption
Nicotine use
Alcohol consumption

Most of the time, heart palpitations occur due to the reasons mentioned above and are not a sign of a serious medical condition. However, in some cases, palpitations can be an indication of an underlying heart condition.

What causes heart palpitations?

Heart palpitations can occur due to various reasons. Some of the common causes include:.

Stress and anxiety – the level of adrenaline in your body increases when you are stressed or anxious, which causes your heart to beat faster
Caffeine consumption – caffeine is a stimulant that can increase your heart rate
Nicotine use – nicotine can narrow your blood vessels, which can increase your heart rate
Alcohol consumption – alcohol can cause your heart to beat irregularly
Dehydration – when your body is dehydrated, your heart has to work harder to pump blood
Overeating – when you overeat, your body has to work harder to digest the food, which can cause your heart to beat faster
Anemia – a lack of iron in your blood can cause your heart to work harder to supply oxygen to your organs
Thyroid problems – an overactive or underactive thyroid can interfere with your heart rate and cause palpitations
Heart conditions – heart palpitations can also be a symptom of an underlying heart condition such as atrial fibrillation, cardiomyopathy, or heart valve problems

When should you see a doctor?

If you experience heart palpitations frequently or if they are accompanied by other symptoms, it may be time to see a doctor. Some of the symptoms that may warrant a doctor visit include:.

Dizziness or lightheadedness
Shortness of breath
Chest pain or pressure
Fainting

It’s also important to see a doctor if your heart palpitations are accompanied by any of the following symptoms:.

Sudden onset of palpitations
Palpitations that last for an extended period of time
Rapid heartbeat
Heart palpitations that occur during physical activity
Heart palpitations that occur at rest
Family history of heart disease
History of heart conditions

Your doctor may conduct a physical exam and recommend further tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) to diagnose any underlying heart condition. Depending on the diagnosis, your doctor may refer you to a cardiologist for further treatment.

How to manage heart palpitations?

If your heart palpitations are not caused by an underlying medical condition, you can manage them by making the following lifestyle changes:.

Avoiding caffeine and alcohol
Quitting smoking
Reducing stress through relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga
Exercising regularly to maintain a healthy weight and reduce stress
Maintaining a healthy diet

It’s also important to stay hydrated and get enough sleep. If your heart palpitations continue or worsen despite these lifestyle changes, it’s best to see a doctor.

Conclusion

Heart palpitations are a common occurrence and are often not a cause for concern. However, if you experience frequent palpitations or if they are accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor.

By making lifestyle changes such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol, quitting smoking, and reducing stress, you can manage heart palpitations effectively and maintain a healthy heart.