Darrick Robles Palpitations occur in people of all ages. “Some people have the feeling that their heart is racing, pounding very hard or stumbling, i.e. beating irregularly. Others experience a fluttering sensation in their chests. Sometimes this feeling only lasts a few seconds, but it can also last for hours,” says Dr. Rhianna McClymont.
“Palpitation is non-specific, meaning it can be a symptom or a diagnosis. There are many possible causes of palpitations,” explains Dr. McClymont. “Most forms of tachycardia are harmless, and very few are indicative of an emergency.”
Where does heart palpitations come from?
There are a number of possible causes of heart palpitations, including:
- Lifestyle: strenuous exercise or alcohol consumption
- Psyche: Anxiety, panic attacks and other psychological triggers
- Cardiac disorders : cardiac arrhythmia and cardiac disorders such as atrial fibrillation
- Hormones: Hormonal changes such as menopause and pregnancy
- Medications: for example, certain antihistamines and antidepressants
- Underlying diseases: for example, an overactive thyroid gland
“Lifestyle factors are a common trigger. Some people get tachycardia after drinking alcohol. Caffeine and nicotine can cause heart palpitations, especially when consumed in excess, just like other drugs,” explains Dr. McClymont. If your heart is racing after eating, it could be a result of high sugar, energy drinks, or overeating.
Sport also triggers heart palpitations. This is normal as the heart has to pump faster to deliver oxygenated blood to the muscles. Regular exercise is also important for a healthy heart, emphasizes the doctor.
Can I get tachycardia from stress?
“We can experience palpitations when we’re under a lot of stress or experiencing other strong emotions,” says Dr. McClymont. She adds that anxiety disorders and panic attacks in particular have been linked to palpitations. In fact, studies have shown that anxiety and other psychosomatic Triggers are responsible for about a third of all cases of heart palpitations .
Can it be that my heart is racing for no reason?
Most causes of palpitations are unrelated to your activity level. “It’s not uncommon to notice palpitations more at night when trying to sleep,” says Dr. McClymont. There is greater awareness of this at night because your mind is not distracted by other tasks.
If you lie on your left side, the palpitations may be more noticeable because your heart is right next to the chest wall in this position.
Can tachycardia be a symptom of long-term Covid?
Rapid heartbeat is one of the most common symptoms of long-term Covid (also called Long Covid). Several studies have confirmed that the coronavirus enters the heart and can cause structural changes and inflammation there.
“Many patients with late effects of corona report tachycardia ,” says Dr. McClymont. “We know that many people who have been hospitalized with severe corona symptoms have suffered damage and inflammation to the heart muscle Patients with a relatively mild course of Covid-19 developed a number of symptoms after surviving the infection, which are summarized under Long Covid.
“There’s a lot we don’t yet know about long-term Covid – in terms of prognosis, severity and duration of symptoms. But a lot of research is currently being done on it.”
Can heart palpitations speak for another disease?
“Thyroid problems — particularly an overactive thyroid — are a common cause of heart palpitations ,” says Dr. McClymont. Other associated conditions include anemia, low blood pressure, dehydration, and sepsis.
“Anemia means more work for the heart because there are fewer red blood cells in the body to carry oxygen. This means that the heart has to pump faster to move the red blood cells with the oxygen around the body faster,” says Dr. McClymont. This extra work for the heart can make your heart beat faster.
” Heart diseases such as heart failure, heart valve disease or cardiomyopathy can also be a cause.”
In very rare cases, tachycardia can be a symptom of a serious, possibly structural heart disease. If there is no obvious explanation for your symptoms and the palpitations do not go away, you should make an appointment to see a doctor.
Is palpitations or racing heart normal during pregnancy?
“ During pregnancy, the heart has to pump more blood around the body to feed the growing baby and the placenta. This increases the heart rate , which in some cases can lead to palpitations,” confirms Dr. McClymont.
Palpitations are normal during pregnancy and are not usually a sign of anything serious. However, if the palpitations turn out to be a symptom of an abnormal heart rhythm, most treatments during pregnancy are perfectly safe.
What can I do to calm my heart?
If you drink alcohol or coffee regularly, stopping alcohol can reduce the frequency of heart palpitations or prevent them altogether.
The official recommendation for women is not to drink more than one small beer or one small glass of wine a day. For men, it should be no more than 2 small beers or a large glass of wine. You should also take an alcohol break 2 days a week.
Also, think about your stress or anxiety triggers : When you’re experiencing anxiety, your heart rate can increase due to what’s called a “fight or flight” response, which can trigger heart palpitations. Seek medical advice if you’re struggling. That is an important step in managing and controlling your symptoms.
When is it an emergency?
“If you have chest pain, dizziness, or severe shortness of breath, fainting, or collapse , your heart rate or palpitations should be treated urgently by a doctor,” said Dr. McClymont. In these cases, you should go to the nearest emergency room or call emergency services.
If you have recurring heart rhythm problems that have been going on for a while and do not improve with lifestyle changes, you should seek medical attention. If you are worried about your heart palpitations or your stress level, talk to your local doctor or book an appointment for a video consultation with us directly.
