What Are Heart Palpitations?

Have you ever sensed your heart speeding up or possibly skipping a beat? You may have experienced a heart palpitation. Heart palpitations are perceived changes in heart rhythm or rate, which may include fast, hard, or irregular beats, as felt in the chest, throat, or neck. Some people experience them regularly, others only rarely. Heart palpitations are typically short-lived and harmless but, in some cases, may indicate a more serious underlying medical issue.

What Are Heart Palpitations Like?

There is a wide range of reported symptoms associated with heart palpitations, since every person experiences the operation of his or her cardiac muscles differently. Some of the most common include:

• An exaggerated awareness of one’s heartbeat
• A rapid increase in heart rate
• A pounding sensation in the chest or neck
• A skipped beat or beats
• A fluttering sensation in the chest

Less common are lightheadedness, chest pain, and shortness of breath. If these or other, more serious symptoms persist, see your physician.

What Are Heart Palpitations?

Have you ever sensed your heart speeding up or possibly skipping a beat? You may have experienced a heart palpitation. Heart palpitations are perceived changes in heart rhythm or rate, which may include fast, hard, or irregular beats, as felt in the chest, throat, or neck. Some people experience them regularly, others only rarely. Heart palpitations are typically short-lived and harmless but, in some cases, may indicate a more serious underlying medical issue.

What Are Heart Palpitations Like?

There is a wide range of reported symptoms associated with heart palpitations, since every person experiences the operation of his or her cardiac muscles differently. Some of the most common include:

• An exaggerated awareness of one’s heartbeat
• A rapid increase in heart rate
• A pounding sensation in the chest or neck
• A skipped beat or beats
• A fluttering sensation in the chest

Less common are lightheadedness, chest pain, and shortness of breath. If these or other, more serious symptoms persist, see your physician.

What Causes Heart Palpitations?

The cause or causes of heart palpitations can be difficult to pin down. Contributing factors may include: 

• Exercise or sustained physical activity
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Depression
• Fevers
• Stimulants, including caffeinated beverages, nicotine, amphetamines (“uppers”), and medications containing pseudoephedrine
• Hormonal activity related to pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause
• Thyroid imbalances

Heart palpitations are sometimes treated as diagnoses in and of themselves, but they can also be symptomatic of other, higher-risk medical conditions, such as heart defects or arrhythmias, which are abnormal heart rhythms. The possible consequences of heart disease include fainting, strokes, cardiac arrest, and heart failure.

How Are Heart Palpitations Diagnosed?

There are several steps your physician can take to diagnose heart palpitations, and whether they’re manifesting a possible life-threatening medical condition. These include:
Documentation of symptoms: You will be asked to describe what you feel during a typical episode – does your heart rate accelerate? Does it skip a beat? Do you feel a pounding or fluttering sensation in your chest? Your physician will also be interested in whether you or members of your family have a history of heart disease or thyroid problems.
Physical exam: Your physician will use a stethoscope to listen for irregularities in your heartbeat. He or she may also check your thyroid gland for evidence of swelling.
If there is reason to suspect an underlying medical issue involving your heart, your physician may order:
An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): EKGs measure your heart’s electrical activity as a means of detecting abnormal heart rhythms, insufficient blood flow, or electrolyte imbalances.
Holter monitoring: A Holter monitor allows you to record EKG data for a continuous period, typically one to two days in duration.
Event recording: Event recorders enable you to document your heart’s activity whenever a palpitation occurs.
Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram uses ultrasound technology to provide a visual record of your heart’s operation.

How Are Heart Palpitations Treated?

Heart palpitations don’t typically require medical treatment, unless there is evidence of a more serious medical problem. In those situations, your physician will focus on an appropriate course of treatment for the underlying condition. 

Even if there is no serious medical issue involved, heart palpitations can be unsettling. You can lessen the likelihood of experiencing palpitations by:

Reducing your stress levels: Meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises can help.
Staying hydrated: Drink plenty of water.
Avoiding stimulants: Reduce your consumption of caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and sodas.
Reducing alcohol intake: Some research suggests a link between alcohol consumption and irregular heartbeats.
Balancing your electrolytes: Eat foods high in potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
Exercising regularly: Running, cycling, and swimming strengthen the heart while lowering anxiety.