Heart palpitations can be completely normal
Many people believe heart palpitations always mean serious health issues like a heart attack – but this isn’t necessarily the case. Feeling your heart flutter now and then can be a perfectly normal occurrence, but combined with other things it could be a major warning sign.
The NHS said: “Heart palpitations are common and not usually a sign of anything serious. They’re usually harmless, but get help if you keep getting them or you also have other symptoms.”
Common causes for usually harmless heart palpitations include:
- Vigorous exercise
- Lack of sleep
- Stress and anxiety
- Certain medications
- Consumption of alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and recreational drugs
Palpitations may also indicate menopause, and it’s not uncommon for pregnant women to report them as well. Typically nothing to be concerned about in these situations.
Generally, benign palpitations don’t require medical treatment. However, steering clear of known triggers such as stress or alcoholic drinks may help avoid future episodes.
People often describe the sensation as an odd or uncomfortable feeling within the chest, neck, or throat area. The heart might feel as if it’s racing, missing beats, thumping, or fluttering.
While palpitations typically cease after a few seconds or minutes, there are cases where they persist for longer. If you have an established heart condition or a family history of cardiac issues and you experience palpitations, the NHS suggests booking a consultation with your GP.
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Some people confuse heart palpitations with severe events such as heart attacks. While palpitations can be a tell-tale sign of these serious issues, they can also signal less alarming conditions like an overactive thyroid or iron deficiency.
However, if you experience heart palpitations accompanied by any of the following symptoms, it’s crucial to phone 999 or head straight to A&E:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Feeling faint or actual fainting spells
The NHS has issued a clear message: “Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance. Bring any medicines you take with you.”
Repeated occurrences or worsening palpitations should prompt a visit to a healthcare professional. You can seek additional guidance from the NHS website or consult with your GP.
Treatment for severe cases of heart palpitations will vary based on the underlying cause. Some cardiac problems require medication or surgical procedures, whereas other conditions may simply require changes to your lifestyle habits.
An electrocardiogram, or ECG, might be used to diagnose the cause of your palpitations. It involves attaching small pads onto your skin to monitor the electrical activity of your heart.