Are you among those who experience palpitations with shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, fainting? Well, to answer this question, first you need to know what palpitations are. This not so common word is a very common problem among us.
The experts at Capitol will be helping you understand what heart palpitations are and how they affect your health.
WHAT ARE HEART PALPITATIONS?
In simple terms, heart palpitations are the abnormalities and irregularities in your heartbeat. The heart beating too fast, too slow, skipping a beat or two, or fluttering.
These palpitations are usually harmless but few of them may be related to various heart conditions like heart failure, heart attack, heart valve abnormalities etc.
CAUSES OF PALPITATIONS
Palpitations can be caused due to a variety of reasons. Some are related to the heart’s conduction system while some can be due to the influence of outside factors.
- Exercising vigorously
- Trauma/Shock
- Anxiety/Stress
- Hormonal changes which occur in pregnancy. Palpitations during this time can also occur due to anemia.
- Caffeine
- Alcohol and Drugs like cocaine, marijuana
- Some medications also may result in palpitations. Stimulant medications can cause palpitations like weight loss pills, medicine for a cough or cold.
- Dehydration, anemia, thyroid, low blood pressure may cause palpitations.
- Hormonal changes due to menopause may also cause palpitations.
WHEN ARE HEART PALPITATIONS DANGEROUS?
Heart palpitations which last more than 30 seconds can be considered as a medical emergency.
When heart palpitations are accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, Chest pain, fainting or sweating, you should seek medical help immediately. Patient history also plays a big role in determining the extent of heart palpitations.
WHEN ARE YOU AT A HIGHER RISK?
- People who are extremely stressed due to family or work pressure can suffer from anxiety and hence are at a greater risk.
- People who have heart conditions like heart attack, heart valve diseases, suffer from irregular heartbeats.
- Women who are pregnant or are at the end of their fertility cycle (menopause)
- Intake of alcohol, drugs etc. may increase your risk of heart palpitations.
There are several ways in which the risk of heart palpitations can be reduced, which we will be discussing in the subsequent blogs.
