What do palpitations indicate

You may also feel these sensations in your throat or neck. Palpitations may seem alarming, but in most cases they're harmless and are not a sign of a serious problem. Sometimes you may feel an extra or missed beat. These are known as ectopic beats and are also usually nothing to worry about.

In these cases, the palpitations should go away on their own. Avoiding these triggers may help stop them from coming back. Home Diseases and Conditions Heart Palpitations. Table of Contents. What are heart palpitations? Symptoms of heart palpitations. What causes heart palpitations?

Many things can cause palpitations. Some causes of heart palpitations include: Heart-related causes. People who have an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia may have palpitations. Most of the time, palpitations and irregular heartbeats are harmless. You also may have palpitations if you have problems with the valves in your heart. Valves help move blood through the heart.

Non-heart-related causes. Certain medicines, herbal supplements, and illegal street drugs can make your heart beat faster. Medicines that can cause palpitations include asthma inhalers and decongestants. Caffeine found in coffee, tea, and soda , alcohol, and tobacco can also cause palpitations. People who have panic disorder feel their heart pounding when they are fearful of something.

They also feel it when they are having a panic attack. Some medical conditions, such as thyroid disease and anemia , also can cause palpitations. How are heart palpitations diagnosed? Can heart palpitations be prevented or avoided? Here are some things you can do that may help prevent or avoid heart palpitations: Do not use illegal street drugs, such as cocaine.

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. Tell your doctor what medicines and herbal supplements you take. When to Call an Ambulance Call if someone experiences palpitations and faints or loses consciousness—or if the palpitations are accompanied by chest pains, dizziness, unusual sweating or lightheadedness. When to Call Your Doctor Call your doctor if you experience frequent palpitations or if you have risk factors for heart disease such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes.

Symptoms Palpitations are characterized by a racing, rapid, pounding heartbeat, often unpleasant and irregular. It is also described as a forceful beating of the heart in the chest.

Causes Palpitations can be caused by factors including:. Prevention Reducing stress, relaxation exercises, deep breathing and other stress-reduction techniques can help decrease recurrences of palpitations.

Diagnosis If you do experience palpitations, it may be helpful to write down how often they occur, how long they last, your heart rate at the time of the palpitations and what you are feeling at the time. Presenting these symptoms and their frequency may help your physician diagnose the cause.

Treatment To manage palpitations, the underlying cause must be treated. Lifestyle changes that include a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise may be recommended. Avoiding stimulants such as caffeine or nicotine may also reduce the occurrence of palpitations. Changes in your heart rate that result in palpitations are typically caused by factors that affect the intensity or rhythm of your heartbeat. Common causes include:. Heart palpitations can be described in different ways.

The following terms describe the different types of sensations you may notice in your chest:. Heart palpitations may accompany other symptoms, such as general uneasiness. However, feelings of impending doom may also be symptoms of a heart attack. While heart palpitations in any setting may be concerning, they can be fleeting changes in your heart rate that are responses to various stimuli, rather than symptoms of an underlying health condition.

However, there are some situations when you should see a healthcare professional soon or get emergency medical attention. Many types of heart palpitations are the result of common causes that can get better when the triggers are removed, such as:.

Heart palpitations that occur in the following situations should be of concern but may not be a medical emergency.

Because they could be signs of an underlying health condition, you should make an appointment to discuss them with a healthcare professional. The three main signs that your heart palpitations may be an early sign of a health problem include:. If you have symptoms of a heart attack, you should call or go to a hospital emergency department.

Before you see a doctor about heart palpitations, think about how best to describe them pounding, fluttering. Before going into your appointment, think about the details of your medical history, family medical history, and make a list of all medications and supplements you take.