Heart Palpitations Causes

Heart palpitations is a general term used to describe the abnormal beating of the heart. Faster or slower beating of the heart, irregular beating of the heart, heartbeats with larger irregular gaps can be termed as heart palpitations. They can be differentiated into different types.

Heart Palpitations
At the normal pace, the human heart should beat 60-100 times per minute. However due to certain reasons, the heart does not beat at a normal pace which gives rise to a condition known as heart palpitations. Depending upon the abnormality, heart palpitations can be classified as:

Tachycardias: Heart rate over 100 beats per minute.
Bradycardias: Heart rate less than 60 beats per minute.
Fibrillations: Rapid, un-synchronized and irregular contraction of heart muscles.
Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rate.

Heart palpitations are very common and can be experienced by people of any age group. However, it is found to be more common in middle-aged adults. Also, more often than not, heart palpitations are not as serious as they seem. But, this does not mean that one should ignore them. In rare cases, it can be a symptom of a serious disorder of the heart. Also, heart palpitations accompanied by other symptoms should never be ignored as it is a definite sign of a serious underlying cause. What causes heart palpitations? Let us have a look.

Causes of Heart Palpitations
The causes of heart palpitations in people vary from person to person. It is observed that sudden changes in the environment can lead to abnormal functioning of the heart, and hence, to heart palpitations.

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Fear
• Strenuous Exercise
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Medications
• Diet pills
• Nicotine
• Cocaine
• Marijuana

These are external factors that can give rise to heart palpitations. However palpitations in the heart can also be caused due to problems or abnormal functioning of certain organs of the body. These causes include:

• Heart diseases
• Hormonal imbalance
• Low levels of oxygen in blood
• Anemia
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Defect in the valve
• Hyperventilation
• Blood pressure

Heart palpitations after eating is quite a common condition experienced by a large number of people. It is mostly seen when a person consumes food after a very long interval. The rapid and sudden increase in blood sugar level is one of the prominent heart palpitations causes. If heart palpitations are accompanied by loss of consciousness, dizziness, excessive sweating, shortness of breath, vomiting, chest pain, etc., you should immediately consult the doctor as these are signs of a serious disorder.

Heart Palpitations Treatment
If heart palpitations are not accompanied by other above mentioned symptoms, they do not require any medications or serious treatment methods. However, it is very essential to consult the doctor for proper diagnosis of the condition. The doctor may advise you to undertake tests like Electrocardiogram (ECG), Echocardiogram and chest X-ray to find out the exact cause of it. In rare cases, medications like calcium blockers may be required to treat palpitations. However, good diet and a stress free life are considered as the best measures for treatment as well as prevention of heart palpitations. It is also essential to maintain good sugar levels by having a balanced diet and proper eating habits.

One should remember that most of the above mentioned causes can be prevented. However, it is essential to undertake advice from a medical practitioner, rather than ignoring the symptoms. Take care!