Understanding Heart Palpitations
Heart palpitations are a symptom. It’s the feeling you have when your heartbeat seems to be racing, pounding, skipping, or fluttering. Heart palpitations are most often felt in the chest. Sometimes, they may also be felt in the neck.
What causes heart palpitations?
In most cases, heart palpitations are caused by:
Stress or anxiety
Exercise
Pregnancy
Some medicines
Caffeine
Nicotine
Alcohol
Illegal drugs, such as cocaine
Health problems, such as anemia or overactive thyroid
In some cases, heart palpitations may be caused by a problem with the heart. Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) are the main concern. They may need to be managed by you and your healthcare provider or treated right away.
How are heart palpitations treated?
Treatments for heart palpitations depend on the cause. Options may include:
Managing the things that trigger your heart palpitations. This could mean:
Learning ways to reduce stress and anxiety
Avoiding caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, or illegal drugs
Stopping the use of certain medicines, under your doctor’s guidance
Medicines, procedures, or surgery to treat an arrhythmia or other health problem that is causing your symptoms
What are the complications of heart palpitations?
Complications of heart palpitations are rare unless they are caused by a problem such as an arrhythmia. In such cases, complications can include:
Fainting
Heart failure. This problem occurs when the heart is so weak it no longer pumps blood well.
Blood clots and stroke
Sudden cardiac arrest. This problem occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating.
When should I call my healthcare provider?
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these:
Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed
Symptoms that don’t get better with treatment, or symptoms that get worse
New symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting