Heart Palpitations

Overview

Heart palpitations are sensations in which you become unusually aware of your heartbeat. You may feel your heart beating too fast, too hard, skipping beats, fluttering, or pounding in your chest, throat, or neck. While many palpitations are harmless and temporary, some may indicate an underlying heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia) that requires medical attention.


Palpitations can occur due to stress, anxiety, caffeine, strenuous exercise, hormonal changes, medications, or underlying heart disease. Identifying the rapid heartbeat causes is important because treatment depends on the underlying condition. Early evaluation and appropriate heart palpitations treatment help relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and protect heart health.


At Sarvodaya Hospital, our experienced cardiologists provide comprehensive evaluation and advanced irregular heartbeat treatment using modern diagnostic technology and personalised treatment plans.

Symptoms of Heart Palpitations

• Racing heartbeat
• Heart fluttering
• Skipping heartbeats
• Pounding heartbeat
• Irregular heartbeat
• Chest discomfort
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling faint
• Anxiety during episodes

Causes of Heart Palpitations

• Stress and anxiety
• Excess caffeine intake
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Certain medications
• Thyroid disorders
• Heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias)
• Heart disease
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Hormonal changes
• Fever or dehydration

Risk Factors for Heart Palpitations

Several factors increase the likelihood of experiencing palpitations.

• Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress and panic attacks commonly trigger temporary heart palpitations.
• Heart Disease: Underlying cardiovascular conditions increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms.
• Thyroid Disorders: Overactive thyroid glands can cause a rapid heartbeat and irregular heart rhythm.
• Stimulants: Caffeine, nicotine, certain supplements, and energy drinks may trigger palpitations.

Diagnosis of Heart Palpitations

Accurate diagnosis helps determine whether palpitations are harmless or related to an underlying heart condition.

• Clinical Examination: Doctors assess symptoms, medical history, medications, lifestyle habits, and cardiovascular risk factors.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG records the heart's electrical activity and helps identify abnormal heart rhythms.
• Holter Monitoring: A portable heart monitor records heart rhythm continuously over 24 to 48 hours to detect intermittent palpitations.
• Event Recorder: For infrequent symptoms, an event monitor records heart rhythm during palpitation episodes.
• Echocardiography: Ultrasound imaging evaluates heart structure, valve function, and pumping efficiency.
• Blood Tests: Laboratory investigations assess thyroid function, electrolyte levels, anaemia, and other medical conditions contributing to palpitations.

Treatment Options & Technology for Heart Palpitations

Heart palpitations treatment focuses on controlling symptoms, correcting underlying causes, and preventing future episodes.

• Lifestyle Modification: Reducing caffeine, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, managing stress, and maintaining healthy sleep habits often reduce palpitations.
• Medication Therapy: Medicines may be prescribed to control heart rhythm, heart rate, or treat associated medical conditions.
• Arrhythmia Treatment: Patients with abnormal heart rhythms may require specialised arrhythmia treatment, including medications or catheter-based procedures.
• Treatment of Underlying Conditions: Managing thyroid disorders, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, or heart disease often resolves palpitations.
• Catheter Ablation: For certain rhythm disorders, minimally invasive catheter ablation may permanently correct abnormal electrical pathways.
• Advanced Cardiac Technology: ECG, Holter Monitoring, Event Recorder, Echocardiography, Exercise Stress Test, Cardiac CT, and Electrophysiology Studies (EPS) support accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment planning.

Benefits of Early Cardiac Evaluation for Heart Palpitations

Early diagnosis improves outcomes and reduces the risk of serious heart complications.

• Identifies Serious Heart Rhythm Disorders: Prompt evaluation distinguishes harmless palpitations from potentially dangerous arrhythmias.
• Relieves Symptoms: Appropriate treatment reduces racing heartbeat, fluttering, and associated discomfort.
• Prevents Future Complications: Early management lowers the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular problems in appropriate patients.
• Improves Quality of Life: Effective treatment helps patients return confidently to daily activities.
• Protects Long-Term Heart Health: Treating underlying heart conditions supports overall cardiovascular well-being.

Complications if Left Untreated

Although many palpitations are harmless, untreated abnormal heart rhythms may lead to complications.

• Persistent arrhythmias
• Fainting episodes
• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Cardiac arrest (rare)
• Reduced quality of life

When Should You See a Doctor for Heart Palpitations?
Seek immediate medical attention if heart palpitations occur with:

• Chest pain
• Severe shortness of breath
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Persistent rapid heartbeat
• Dizziness with palpitations
• Palpitations lasting several minutes repeatedly
• History of heart disease

Prevention & Lifestyle Modifications for Heart Palpitations

Healthy lifestyle habits can help reduce the frequency of heart palpitations.

• Limit Caffeine Intake: Reducing coffee, tea, energy drinks, and caffeinated beverages may help prevent racing heart episodes.
• Manage Stress Effectively: Relaxation techniques, meditation, and regular physical activity help reduce anxiety-related palpitations.
• Avoid Smoking and Excess Alcohol: Both can trigger abnormal heart rhythms and worsen existing cardiac conditions.
• Stay Well Hydrated: Adequate fluid intake helps maintain normal heart function and electrolyte balance.
• Attend Regular Cardiac Check-ups: Routine heart evaluations help identify and manage cardiovascular conditions early.

Pre–Post Treatment Care

Pre-Treatment

• Cardiology consultation
• ECG and rhythm monitoring
• Blood investigations
• Cardiac imaging if indicated

Post-Treatment

• Medication adherence
• Lifestyle modifications
• Regular heart rhythm monitoring
• Follow-up with a cardiologist