Palpitations

Overview

Many of us would have experienced conditions like occasional jitters and short episodes of shakiness, accompanied by a racing heartbeat, and a throbbing pulse. This could be summed up in a single word - palpitation. However, in medical lingo, palpitation can be defined as a conscious awareness of one's own heartbeat. This sensation could be felt over the chest or in the throat of the person experiencing them. Signs and symptoms of palpitations may include a fluttering sensation; in lay man's terms, you may feel that the heart has flopped or skipped a beat. Some people experience palpitation as a pounding sensation in their chest.

Palpitations can also be regularly paced, similar to your own heartbeats; however, they can also exhibit an irregular pattern and can either be sustained or felt as a brief spasm. Most people who experience palpitations don't have a reason to worry about, because more often palpitations are typically insignificant. However, some palpitations may be the results of metabolic disorders and cardiac issues or could also be the side effect of certain drugs. Brief, fleeting moments of palpitation may accompany situations of emotional stress, such as anger, anxiety, fear, or worry. In addition, some palpitations may be felt as a result of high intensity exercise or even fever. Herbal remedies such as ginseng may also cause palpitations and irregular heartbeats.

In more severe cases, signs and symptoms such as dizziness or shortness of breath may also accompany a palpitation. The skin might even be clammy and pale. In such cases, cardiac arrhythmia may occur, and it would be wise for a person to seek the advice of a physician at the earliest possible. Conditions such as hypertension or hypoglycemia may also produce palpitations in certain people. Caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco may also stimulate or worsen symptoms of palpitation.

Medical causes of palpitations can range from an acute anxiety attack to hypertension, hypocalcaemia, and various heart issues. In those suffering from anxiety attacks, palpitations will be accompanied by trembling, facial flushing, and an impending sense of fear or doom. Palpitations that are caused by cardiac issues may be accompanied by dizziness, irregular pulse rate, and also a decrease in blood pressure. Such people may also suffer from confusion and mental instability.

People suffering from hypertension may experience instances of sustained palpitation either by themselves or be accompanied with headache, fatigue, and dizziness. At this point, the blood pressure may reach over 140/90. Nausea and vomiting may also accompany palpitations in such a scenario. All these imply that when a person endures a suspected cardiac event or issue, along with symptoms of palpitations, a physician or an emergency room should be found immediately.

Treatment

Even mild palpitations can cause worry in many people. So, the best way to relieve such symptoms is to find a quiet and comfortable environment and consciously make an effort to relax. While most symptoms of palpitation are nothing to be anxious about, there is a fine line between overreacting and not reacting at all. Make sure to identify this difference and act accordingly in cases of emergency.

Reducing stress, breathing exercises, or deep relaxation therapies can also help to lessen your heart palpitations. Avoid smoking, eat a well-balanced and low-fat diet, and exercise regular regularly; you will keep palpitation at the bay.