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What causes palpitations?

The causes of heart palpitations are varied. These may be stress, anxiety or another strong emotional response, strenuous exercise, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine or medications containing pseudoephedrine (some cold and cough medicines) and salbutamol (used for asthma). Medical conditions that may cause palpitations include previous heart problems (heart valve problems, heart defect at birth or heart attack); high levels of thyroid hormone; low blood sugar levels and high output of the heart such as during pregnancy, anemia or fever.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What are palpitations?

Heart palpitations are an unpleasant feeling of the beating of the heart. This can include the feeling of a rapid, fluttering or pounding heartbeat.

What are the symptoms of palpitations?

Heart palpitations can include racing of the heart, skipping of heartbeats and fluttering, flopping or pounding of the heart. The palpitations can be felt in your chest, throat and neck.

Who gets palpitations?

Palpitations affect almost everyone at some stage of their life. Some medical conditions that can cause palpitations include: previous heart problems (heart valve problems, heart defect at birth or heart attack); psychiatric disorders (e.g., panic attacks, anxiety …

How are palpitations diagnosed?

To help diagnose heart palpitations, your doctor will try to identify the cause of your palpitations. This may include a physical examination, questions about your lifestyle and medications. You may also be asked how often and when the palpitations occur. …

Could palpitations be a warning sign for something else?

In rare cases, you may be experiencing palpitations because you have a more serious heart condition or complication.

How are palpitations treated?

Heart palpitations often do not require any treatment, unless your palpitations are caused by a more serious heart condition. When no treatment is required, your doctor may simply recommend that you avoid the activities that cause your palpitations. In the …

Can palpitations be cured?

Palpitations will generally resolve when you reduce or remove the triggers that cause them. If they are frequent and persistent, you may have a more serious underlying heart condition.

Will palpitations clear on their own?

Yes, almost everyone experiences palpitations and they generally stop on their own. In rare cases where they do not stop, you may require tests to see if you have a more serious heart condition.

What can be done at home to treat palpitations?

To help prevent palpitations, you may try to avoid activities or lifestyle choices that are a likely cause. Some of these include stressful situations, which can lead to anxiety or panic attacks, drinking too much caffeine or alcohol and …

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About this article

Author: Dr Bow Tauro PhD, BSc (Hons)
First answered: 18 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Votes: 1155 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)

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