What Causes Heart Palpitations? How Seriously It Can Affect Your Health

But what exactly are heart palpitations, and how can they affect your health?

“Heart palpitations are a common complaint among patients who attend our clinic. Apart from occasionally causing dizzy spells, weakness, and, in rare cases, loss of consciousness, palpitation can be irritating to sufferers,” said Dr V Rajasekhar, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist, Certified Specialist for TAVR (Percutaneous Trans Aortic Valve Replacement), Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad.

What Are Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations are the sensation of an irregular heartbeat. Your heart may be racing, thumping, missing beats, or fluttering. These sensations might be fleeting or long-lasting, and they may come and go. Palpitations can be induced by a variety of circumstances, some of which are innocuous, while others may indicate an underlying medical issue.

Dr Ajay Kaul, Chairman of Cardiovascular Sciences at Fortis Hospital in Noida, told OnlyMyHealth that anxiety leading to palpitations is quite normal. However, if you become nervous for no apparent reason or for small matters, you may be experiencing an abnormal case.

Common Causes of Heart Palpitations

Stress and Anxiety

Emotional stress, anxiety, or panic attacks can trigger palpitations. Your body’s “fight or flight” response can lead to a rapid heartbeat.

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Caffeine and Stimulants Can Trigger Palpitations

Excessive consumption of caffeine, energy drinks, or certain medications that contain stimulants can cause your heart to race.

Dehydration

Inadequate fluid intake can lead to an electrolyte imbalance, potentially causing palpitations.

Medications

Some medications, such as asthma inhalers, decongestants, and certain over-the-counter cold medications, can have palpitations as a side effect.

Alcohol and Tobacco

According to the British Heart Foundation, both excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can disrupt your heart’s normal rhythm.

Thyroid Issues

Hyperthyroidism may lead to heart issues. As per MayoClinic, overactive or underactive thyroid glands can lead to heart palpitations.

Anaemia

Low blood iron levels can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently. According to the Journal of Clinical Medicine, Iron deficiency (ID) is a prevalent comorbidity in patients with heart failure (HF), with an incidence of up to 59% even in patients who are not anemic.

Heart Conditions

Palpitations can be a symptom of underlying heart conditions like arrhythmias, heart valve problems, or heart muscle diseases.

How Can Heart Palpitations Affect Your Health?

While occasional palpitations may not be a cause for concern, frequent or persistent palpitations can have several health implications:

• Anxiety and Stress: Frequent palpitations can lead to anxiety and stress, creating a vicious cycle that exacerbates the condition.
• Sleep Disturbances: Palpitations, especially if they occur at night, can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and reduced overall well-being.
• Reduced Quality of Life: Persistent palpitations can affect your daily life, making it difficult to concentrate, work, or engage in physical activities.

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Underlying Health Conditions

Sometimes, palpitations are a sign of an underlying heart condition that requires medical attention. Ignoring these symptoms could lead to serious health issues.

Stroke Risk

Certain arrhythmias associated with palpitations can increase the risk of stroke if not properly managed.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience heart palpitations frequently, or if they are accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting, it’s crucial to consult a doctor. They can perform tests, including EKGs, echocardiograms, and blood tests, to determine the cause of your palpitations and recommend appropriate treatment.

Heart palpitations are a regular occurrence, and they are often harmless and caused by lifestyle factors. They should not, however, be ignored because they can sometimes be a clue of underlying health difficulties. Pay attention to your body, and if you have frequent or severe palpitations, see a doctor to ensure the health and well-being of your heart. You can reclaim control of your heartbeat and live a healthier, more energetic life by addressing the underlying reasons and managing any underlying disorders.