Your heart beats around 100,000 times each day, and for the most part, you probably don’t give it much thought. That is, until you experience heart palpitations.
Heart palpitations can be a concerning experience for anyone. They’re sensations that make you unusually aware of your heartbeat, and they can make you wonder if something’s wrong.
Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute are here to help. Most heart palpitations are harmless, and understanding what heart palpitations feel like and some reasons why they happen is the first step to managing the condition.
Heart palpitations are usually described in a few different ways. They can feel like a fluttering or racing sensation in your chest, as if your heart is beating too hard or too fast. Sometimes, heart palpitations feel like your heart has skipped beats or flip-flopped inside your chest.
The sensations can occur in your chest, throat, or neck. Palpitations can last for just a few seconds or continue for several minutes, and they may occur during activity or rest.
It’s important to note that the way palpitations feel can vary from person to person. Some people may experience them occasionally, while others might have them much more frequently. The intensity of the sensation can also differ, with some people barely noticing them and others finding them quite disturbing.
When you feel heart palpitations, it’s normal to be worried about your heart health. However, there are many potential causes of heart palpitations that range from benign factors to more serious underlying conditions.
A few common causes of heart palpitations are:
Emotional stress, panic attacks, and anxiety can trigger palpitations because your body responds to these stimuli with an increased heart rate.
Consuming caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, or recreational drugs can cause palpitations because they stimulate your heart rate.
Physical activity naturally increases your heart rate, which can sometimes cause palpitations, particularly if you aren’t used to regular exercise.
Pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal imbalances can all lead to palpitations because fluctuating hormone levels have a direct effect on your heart rate.
Certain medications, like decongestants, asthma inhalers, and some antidepressants, can cause palpitations as a side effect.
Palpitations can be associated with medical conditions like hyperthyroidism, low blood sugar, anemia, dehydration, and heart-related issues like arrhythmias or heart disease.
Most heart palpitations are harmless — but if you’re concerned about your heart health, we recommend scheduling a consultation. Dr. Patel and our team can evaluate your heart and your symptoms to determine if medical treatment is necessary.
There are some instances when heart palpitations could be a sign of something more serious. You should always seek medical care if you experience palpitations along with any of the following symptoms:
Plus, if you have a history of heart disease or risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol, it's a good idea to discuss any palpitations with your doctor. We can help determine if further evaluation or testing is needed to rule out any serious conditions.
Heart palpitations can be alarming, but understanding what they feel like and when to seek medical advice can help you feel more confident. Schedule a consultation and learn more at NJ Cardiovascular Institute in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey.
