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Palpitations are common symptoms that have nearly all of us have experienced. Sometime the heart beats too quickly or irregularly, and the pounding can be felt. It is a symptom not necessarily caused by medical conditions. Sometimes, there may not even be a cause. Continue reading to discover more about palpitations.
Palpitations are the abnormalities of heartbeats that we sensed, usually perceiving heartbeats as being too fast, irregular or pounding too hard. It can be regarded as a form of arrhythmia, meaning the heart rhythm is irregular. It is observed more frequently as we become older, but is not always indicative of serious heart disease.
The underlying mechanisms and causes of palpitations are wide-ranging. Some causes that have been identified are:
The above causes are seldom fatal, but the ones below can be serious. Palpitations are a sign of early discovery and treatment.
Palpitations are felt occasionally even in healthy individuals. Usually, there is no need to be worried unless you experience the symptoms way too frequently, lasting for way too long or appearing with other symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath. If so, you are suggested to visit the doctor as soon as possible. The signs and symptoms of palpitations are the sensations of skipping or rapid heartbeat, rapid fluttering, pounding, and flip-flopping perceived in the throat, neck or chest.
Palpitations themselves are not a disease, so there will be no organic complications rising from palpitations. However, since palpitations may come from underlying causes like heart disease, serious aftermath will be presented if the underlying disease is neglected. The consequences include:
Palpitations themselves can easily be diagnosed by the report of the symptom by patients. However, for the underlying cause, a thorough examination is required as the palpitations may be caused by many conditions, some are very detrimental to one’s health. The following things may be done to discover the culprit:
Those without palpitations want to avoid them of course. It can be easily done by avoiding potential triggers like caffeine consumption, alcohol consumption and inadequate sleep.
However, for those with palpitations, treatments may be provided depending on the underlying cause concluded by the physician. If the physician deems the palpitations to be of harmless causes, medical treatments are not needed and the patients need to avoid the potential triggers.
On the contrary, if the palpitations are caused by medical conditions, for instance, hyperthyroidism, atrial fibrillation and anxiety, corresponding treatments will be provided.
Yes, it is. This is more common in older individuals. Usually, when you feel that there is an extra or missing heartbeat, this is very normal and harmless. It is known as ectopic beats. However, if it causes serious discomfort and trouble in your daily life or is associated with some other symptoms like shortness of breath, then seek medical help as soon as possible.
Yes, they can do. In some cases of palpitations, they are harmless and they will go away in a short period of time. You may also want to avoid triggers like alcohol, nicotine and caffeine if you do not want palpitations to happen. However, if palpitations keep occurring and get too serious, or are associated with other symptoms like fainting, seek medical help immediately.
Coffee, chocolates and tea contain caffeine which is a potential trigger for palpitations. But there is great individual variation in the bidy’s reponse to caffeine intake. You may try decaffeinated (decaf) coffee or avoid caffeine-containing beverages or food in the evening or near bedtime.
This article was independently written by Healthy Matters and is not sponsored. It is informative only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be relied upon for specific medical advice.
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