Palpitations: Difference between revisions
From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Palpitations | |||
| image = [[File:Pietro_Longhi_027.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = A painting depicting a person experiencing palpitations | |||
| field = [[Cardiology]] | |||
| symptoms = Sensation of rapid, strong, or irregular [[heartbeat]] | |||
| complications = [[Anxiety]], [[fainting]], [[stroke]], [[heart failure]] | |||
| onset = Sudden or gradual | |||
| duration = Seconds to minutes | |||
| causes = [[Stress]], [[anxiety]], [[caffeine]], [[nicotine]], [[alcohol]], [[exercise]], [[medications]], [[arrhythmia]] | |||
| risks = [[Heart disease]], [[thyroid disease]], [[anemia]], [[electrolyte imbalance]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Electrocardiogram]] (ECG), [[Holter monitor]], [[event monitor]], [[blood tests]] | |||
| differential = [[Anxiety disorder]], [[panic attack]], [[hyperthyroidism]], [[pheochromocytoma]] | |||
| treatment = Addressing underlying cause, [[beta blockers]], [[calcium channel blockers]], [[antiarrhythmic drugs]] | |||
| medication = [[Beta blockers]], [[calcium channel blockers]] | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
| deaths = Rarely directly causes death | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|A sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeat}} | {{Short description|A sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeat}} | ||
==Palpitations== | ==Palpitations== | ||
Palpitations are the perceived abnormality of the heartbeat characterized by awareness of cardiac muscle contractions in the chest. They can be felt as a rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat. Palpitations can be a normal response to stress, anxiety, or physical exertion, but they can also indicate an underlying medical condition. | Palpitations are the perceived abnormality of the heartbeat characterized by awareness of cardiac muscle contractions in the chest. They can be felt as a rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat. Palpitations can be a normal response to stress, anxiety, or physical exertion, but they can also indicate an underlying medical condition. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
Palpitations can be caused by a variety of factors, including: | Palpitations can be caused by a variety of factors, including: | ||
* [[Anxiety]] and [[stress]] | * [[Anxiety]] and [[stress]] | ||
* [[Exercise]] | * [[Exercise]] | ||
| Line 16: | Line 32: | ||
* [[Thyroid disorders]], such as [[hyperthyroidism]] | * [[Thyroid disorders]], such as [[hyperthyroidism]] | ||
* [[Medications]], including some used to treat [[asthma]], [[depression]], or [[hypertension]] | * [[Medications]], including some used to treat [[asthma]], [[depression]], or [[hypertension]] | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
The primary symptom of palpitations is the sensation of a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Other symptoms that may accompany palpitations include: | The primary symptom of palpitations is the sensation of a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Other symptoms that may accompany palpitations include: | ||
* [[Dizziness]] or lightheadedness | * [[Dizziness]] or lightheadedness | ||
* [[Shortness of breath]] | * [[Shortness of breath]] | ||
| Line 25: | Line 39: | ||
* [[Sweating]] | * [[Sweating]] | ||
* [[Fainting]] or near-fainting | * [[Fainting]] or near-fainting | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosing the cause of palpitations involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Additional tests may include: | Diagnosing the cause of palpitations involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Additional tests may include: | ||
* [[Electrocardiogram]] (ECG) to measure the electrical activity of the heart | * [[Electrocardiogram]] (ECG) to measure the electrical activity of the heart | ||
* [[Holter monitor]] to record heart rhythms over 24 to 48 hours | * [[Holter monitor]] to record heart rhythms over 24 to 48 hours | ||
* [[Echocardiogram]] to assess the structure and function of the heart | * [[Echocardiogram]] to assess the structure and function of the heart | ||
* [[Blood tests]] to check for thyroid function and other potential causes | * [[Blood tests]] to check for thyroid function and other potential causes | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment for palpitations depends on the underlying cause. Options may include: | Treatment for palpitations depends on the underlying cause. Options may include: | ||
* Lifestyle changes, such as reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, managing stress, and quitting smoking | * Lifestyle changes, such as reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, managing stress, and quitting smoking | ||
* Medications to control heart rate or rhythm, such as [[beta-blockers]] or [[antiarrhythmic drugs]] | * Medications to control heart rate or rhythm, such as [[beta-blockers]] or [[antiarrhythmic drugs]] | ||
* Treatment of underlying conditions, such as [[thyroid disease]] or [[heart disease]] | * Treatment of underlying conditions, such as [[thyroid disease]] or [[heart disease]] | ||
* In some cases, procedures such as [[cardioversion]] or [[ablation]] may be necessary | * In some cases, procedures such as [[cardioversion]] or [[ablation]] may be necessary | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Preventing palpitations involves managing risk factors and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Recommendations include: | Preventing palpitations involves managing risk factors and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Recommendations include: | ||
* Regular [[exercise]] | * Regular [[exercise]] | ||
* A balanced [[diet]] | * A balanced [[diet]] | ||
* Adequate [[sleep]] | * Adequate [[sleep]] | ||
* Stress management techniques, such as [[yoga]] or [[meditation]] | * Stress management techniques, such as [[yoga]] or [[meditation]] | ||
==When to Seek Medical Attention== | ==When to Seek Medical Attention== | ||
While palpitations are often harmless, it is important to seek medical attention if they are accompanied by: | While palpitations are often harmless, it is important to seek medical attention if they are accompanied by: | ||
* Severe [[chest pain]] | * Severe [[chest pain]] | ||
* [[Fainting]] | * [[Fainting]] | ||
* Severe [[shortness of breath]] | * Severe [[shortness of breath]] | ||
* A history of [[heart disease]] | * A history of [[heart disease]] | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Arrhythmia]] | * [[Arrhythmia]] | ||
* [[Atrial fibrillation]] | * [[Atrial fibrillation]] | ||
* [[Heart disease]] | * [[Heart disease]] | ||
* [[Thyroid disorders]] | * [[Thyroid disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Cardiology]] | [[Category:Cardiology]] | ||
[[Category:Symptoms and signs: Circulatory system]] | [[Category:Symptoms and signs: Circulatory system]] | ||
Latest revision as of 05:58, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Palpitations | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Sensation of rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat |
| Complications | Anxiety, fainting, stroke, heart failure |
| Onset | Sudden or gradual |
| Duration | Seconds to minutes |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Stress, anxiety, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, exercise, medications, arrhythmia |
| Risks | Heart disease, thyroid disease, anemia, electrolyte imbalance |
| Diagnosis | Electrocardiogram (ECG), Holter monitor, event monitor, blood tests |
| Differential diagnosis | Anxiety disorder, panic attack, hyperthyroidism, pheochromocytoma |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Addressing underlying cause, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, antiarrhythmic drugs |
| Medication | Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | Rarely directly causes death |
A sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeat
Palpitations[edit]
Palpitations are the perceived abnormality of the heartbeat characterized by awareness of cardiac muscle contractions in the chest. They can be felt as a rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat. Palpitations can be a normal response to stress, anxiety, or physical exertion, but they can also indicate an underlying medical condition.
Causes[edit]
Palpitations can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Exercise
- Caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants
- Fever
- Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during pregnancy or menopause
- Heart disease, such as arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, or heart failure
- Thyroid disorders, such as hyperthyroidism
- Medications, including some used to treat asthma, depression, or hypertension
Symptoms[edit]
The primary symptom of palpitations is the sensation of a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Other symptoms that may accompany palpitations include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Sweating
- Fainting or near-fainting
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosing the cause of palpitations involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Additional tests may include:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the electrical activity of the heart
- Holter monitor to record heart rhythms over 24 to 48 hours
- Echocardiogram to assess the structure and function of the heart
- Blood tests to check for thyroid function and other potential causes
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for palpitations depends on the underlying cause. Options may include:
- Lifestyle changes, such as reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, managing stress, and quitting smoking
- Medications to control heart rate or rhythm, such as beta-blockers or antiarrhythmic drugs
- Treatment of underlying conditions, such as thyroid disease or heart disease
- In some cases, procedures such as cardioversion or ablation may be necessary
Prevention[edit]
Preventing palpitations involves managing risk factors and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Recommendations include:
- Regular exercise
- A balanced diet
- Adequate sleep
- Stress management techniques, such as yoga or meditation
When to Seek Medical Attention[edit]
While palpitations are often harmless, it is important to seek medical attention if they are accompanied by:
- Severe chest pain
- Fainting
- Severe shortness of breath
- A history of heart disease
