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The term palpitations describes an unusual awareness of the heartbeat.
What is going on in the body?
Ordinarily, a person is not aware of the beating of his or her heart. Under certain circumstances, such as when scared or under stress, a person may become aware of the heartbeat. This awareness of the heartbeat is known as palpitations. Often, the heart may seem to beat faster or harder than usual. In some cases, palpitations may occur due to an irregular heartbeat, also called an arrhythmia.
Palpitations happen to almost everyone at some time in their life. Usually they're nothing to worry about. In some people, the perception of having palpitations is caused by emotion or stress rather than an actual extra beat. However, palpitations may signal a serious condition, especially if they are caused by an arrhythmia.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Common causes of palpitations include:
- anxiety
- fever
- medication such as thyroid hormone medication, decongestants, asthma medications, and certain heart medications
- substances such as caffeine and appetite suppressants
- cocaine use
- hyperthyroidism, which is an overactive thyroid gland
- exercise
- anemia, which is a low red blood cell count
- defects in the electrical system of the heart
- abnormalities of the heart muscle, known as cardiomyopathy
- abnormalities in the heart valves
Risk of palpitations range from no risk to death. The determining factor is the nature of the palpitations, how long the runs are, and the location of the palpitations in the heart.
What are the treatments for the condition?
The treatment depends on what's causing the condition:
- If the cause of the palpitations is found to be anxiety or thyroid problems, medication to treat the condition (not the heart) may be given.
- Palpitations from certain heart conditions may be treated with heart medications such as calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers and other anti-arrhythmic medications.
- A person with atrial fibrillation may be given anticoagulation medications, or blood thinners.
- Sometimes an electric charge may be delivered into the heart by external paddles, known as elective cardioversion. Or a radiofrequency pulse might be delivered through a catheter placed into the heart.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Side effects depend on the treatment used. Heart medications used to quiet the palpitations can cause worsening of the palpitations, life-threatening arrhythmias, swelling, severe allergic reactions, fatigue, dizziness, headache, and depression.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
Simple, intermittent palpitations require no treatment and have no long-term consequences. If the palpitations continue, then long-term follow-up is required. If the underlying disease is curable and the palpitations go away, no further treatment may be needed.
How is the condition monitored? >
The person monitors the frequency of palpitations. Any irregularity lasting longer than a few minutes should be evaluated immediately by a healthcare provider. Medical help should be sought immediately if the person has chest pain, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, dizziness, or fainting. Regular visits to the healthcare provider to adjust heart medications may be required. Changes in the pattern, intensity, or duration of palpitations should be reported to the healthcare provider right away.
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