Heart palpitations are unpleasant sensations of heartbeats that feel too strong, too fast, irregular or skipping beats. Many people, at one time or another in their lives, experience this unsettling sensation. Here's a look at the world of palpitations to dispel your worries and guide you.
Heart palpitations are the perception of having an abnormal heart rhythm. They can occur without exertion, while sitting or lying down, and give the impression that the heart is beating too fast, too hard, irregularly or skipping beats.
The causes are varied and can range from the benign to the sign of more serious conditions. They include
Stress and anxiety,
Consumption of caffeine, alcohol, tobacco or recreational drugs,
Hormonal disorders, particularly in women (menstruation, pregnancy, menopause),
heart disease,
Electrolyte disorders,
Medications, some of which can cause palpitations as a side effect.
Treatment of heart palpitations depends on their cause. Here are some general approaches:
Lifestylemodification: reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption, stopping smoking, regular physical activity and adopting relaxation techniques can help.
Medical treatment: when palpitations are due to an underlying condition, treating that condition can resolve the palpitations.
Medication: in some cases, medication may be prescribed to regulate heart rhythm.
It is advisable to consult a doctor if palpitations are accompanied by :
Pain or discomfort in the chest,
Breathing difficulties,
Dizziness or syncope,
Unusual fatigue,
Palpitations that persist or worsen.
Although not all heart palpitations can be prevented, adopting a healthy lifestyle is a good place to start. This includes a balanced diet, adequate hydration, limiting alcohol and caffeine intake, stopping smoking, and regular exercise.
Yes, heart palpitations are relatively common. They can be experienced by people of any age and do not necessarily indicate the existence of a serious heart problem. However, if they are frequent or accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any serious underlying condition.
Occasional heart palpitations, with no other symptoms, are generally benign. However, if they are accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, fainting, or if they persist and become more frequent, this could indicate a heart problem or other medical condition requiring evaluation by a healthcare professional.
While it's crucial to consult a physician to understand the cause of heart palpitations, some natural approaches can help manage them:
Relaxation techniques: yoga, meditation and deep breathing can help reduce the stress and anxiety that can trigger palpitations.
Magnesium: this electrolyte, important for heart health, can be beneficial, especially if a deficiency is suspected.
Hydration: drinking enough water is crucial to overall health and can help prevent palpitations linked to dehydration.
It's important to talk to a healthcare professional before adopting any new treatment, even a natural one.
Yes, physical exercise, especially intense exercise, can cause heart palpitations due to the increased heart rate required to deliver more oxygen to the body. These exercise-related palpitations are normally benign and should subside soon after the activity is over. If palpitations during or after exercise are accompanied by other symptoms or are particularly bothersome, medical consultation is recommended.
Absolutely. Certain foods and beverages can trigger heart palpitations, notably those rich in caffeine (such as coffee, tea and certain soft drinks) and alcohol. What's more, heavy or carbohydrate-rich meals can also trigger palpitations in some people. Adopting a balanced diet, limiting the consumption of stimulating substances, can help reduce the frequency and intensity of palpitations.
