Palpitations: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|A sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeat}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}} | |||
==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. | |||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
Palpitations can | 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== | |||
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== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
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== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment | 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== | ==Prevention== | ||
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== | ||
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]] | |||
==Related pages== | |||
* [[Arrhythmia]] | * [[Arrhythmia]] | ||
* [[Atrial fibrillation]] | |||
* [[Heart disease]] | * [[Heart disease]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Thyroid disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Cardiology]] | |||
[[Category: | |||
[[Category:Symptoms and signs: Circulatory system]] | [[Category:Symptoms and signs: Circulatory system]] | ||
Revision as of 19:24, 22 March 2025
A sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeat
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.
Causes
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
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
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
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
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
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
