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Be a sleuth
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Since irregular heartbeats often occur at random, it can be difficult for your doctor to determine exactly what’s causing them. To help your doctor make a proper diagnosis, make note of your symptoms.
Write down when palpitations usually begin, how long they last, how often they occur and what you were doing at the time. For instance, you may notice you have them at the same time every day or when you exercise or eat certain foods. Show your list to your doctor. Facts like these can help him or her get to the heart of the problem.
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 Be still, my palpitating heart
If it feels like your heart is beating too hard or too fast, skipping or fluttering, you’re experiencing heart palpitations. These erratic beats can occur when you’re active or when you sit or lie still. You may feel them in your chest, throat or neck.
What causes palpitations?
Though these irregular heartbeats can occur with a normal heart, they also can be a sign of a heart condition, such as arrhythmia. This occurs when the heart’s electrical system doesn’t work correctly. It’s more common among people who have had a heart attack or who have other conditions such as heart failure or heart valve issues. Sometimes, people are born with a condition that causes arrhythmia. Medicines or medical procedures may help.
An abnormal heartbeat also may indicate a heart attack. Call 911 right away if you also notice:
- Chest pain, which may feel like pressure, squeezing or fullness
- Upper body discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea, vomiting or indigestion
- Lightheadedness, weakness or fainting
- Breaking out in a cold sweat
- Persistent fatigue
Also, seek immediate medical care if your palpitations are new or begin suddenly and you have any of the following:
- History of heart disease
- Have had cardiac surgery
- High blood pressure
- Major chronic illness
- Thyroid disease
- A family history of sudden death or abnormal heart rhythm
If your palpitations are ongoing or you’re pregnant and have them, call your doctor right away. If you have new or frequent symptoms or have been diagnosed with dysrhythmia, call your doctor within 24 hours.
Often, however, heart palpitations result from causes that aren’t related to the heart at all, such as:
- Strong emotions. Fear, stress, panic and anxiety all can trigger a racing heart.
- Vigorous physical activity. A fast heartbeat is normal during intense exercise.
- Hormone changes during pregnancy or menstruation. Often, the erratic heartbeats go away when hormone levels return to normal.
- Medical conditions. An overactive thyroid, low blood sugar, anemia and low blood pressure are among the causes of palpitations.
- Medicines and stimulants. Asthma inhalers, thyroid medicine, decongestants or certain nutritional supplements can cause erratic heartbeats. Caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and illegal drugs also may be to blame.
Give your heart a hand
In most cases, palpitations are harmless. But, you should still see your doctor if you have them. He or she can tell you if you need medical treatment. If they aren’t caused by a more serious problem, your doctor may suggest some tips to help you avoid triggers. For example:
- Reduce stress. Relaxation exercises and yoga may help.
- Steer clear of stimulants, such as nicotine. Also, avoid caffeine if you’re sensitive to its effects.
- Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs, such as cocaine.
- Talk with your doctor about the medicines you take. Some of them may act as stimulants. This may include certain herbal supplements and certain cold and cough treatments.
- Keep medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, under control.
You may have already talked with your doctor about heart palpitations. But, be sure to talk with him or her again if they start to happen more often, get worse or are bothersome.
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Be wise about back pain
Visit myuhc.com to learn more about back pain causes, management and prevention. Click “Health & Wellness,” and enter “back” in the search box.
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