Overview
When a person has a heart palpitation, they will notice that their heartbeats are more noticeable. It will feel as though it is pounding, beating irregularly, or fluttering for a few minutes or just for a few seconds. The person may also feel sensations in their neck or their throat. This can seem very alarming. However, the good news is that this is usually harmless and not a sign that you have a heart issue. If there are other symptoms that occur along with these palpitations such as feeling dizzy or getting a tightening in the chest, then this is something to be worried about. You will want to see your doctor as it could mean that you do have a heart issues.
The Triggers of Heart Palpitations
There are several triggers of heart palpitations that people need to be aware of:
- Lifestyle Choices
For many the heart palpitations that they have are caused by their lifestyle choices. For example, those who eat spicy food, drink lots of caffeine, smoke, drink alcohol or use recreational drugs almost always have these palpitations. In these cases, it is important to stop the behavior that you feel is callusing these palpitations.
- Panic Attacks
For those who have feelings of stress or panic, then feel these palpitations, this could be a sign that you are actually experiencing panic attacks. When a person experiences a panic attack they have fear, apprehension and they may even have trembling, sweating and heart palpitations. These attacks can be intense but are usually safe.
- Your Medications
There are some medications out there such as asthma inhalers or thyroid medications that can a person to have heart palpitations. If this is the issue, only a doctor can help determine what should be done.
- Pregnancy, Menopause and Periods
For women, there are several changes throughout their lives that can cause palpitations. Most of these are hormonal changes that can be the reason you feel as though your heart is not beating right. The good news is that these are not serious.
- Medication condition
There are several medical conditions that have heart palpitations that company them. For example:
- Overactive thyroid
- Low blood sugar
- Anemia
- Low blood pressure
- High temperature
- Dehydration
- Heart issue
Get Medical Attention
For those who are concerned, they should see their doctor. For those who have underlying medical conditions that are causing these issues, then they may need to carry an electrocardiogram (ECG) with them to monitor their heart so that it can be seen if this is a severe or moderate issue.