Heart palpitations are a common problem that can cause discomfort and anxiety among individuals. Heart palpitations refer to the sudden and irregular beating of your heart that may feel like a racing, fluttering or pounding sensation in your chest. While most heart palpitations are harmless and may go away on their own, some people suffer from chronic palpitations that affect their quality of life. There are several treatment options available to cure heart palpitations. In this article, we will explore the causes of heart palpitations and the different treatment methods that can help cure them.
Table of Contents
What Causes Heart Palpitations?
There are several factors that can cause heart palpitations, which include:
- Anxiety: Anxiety and stress can cause an increase in heart rate and palpitations
- Medications: Certain medications such as beta-blockers and inhalers can trigger heart palpitations
- Caffeine and alcohol: The consumption of caffeine and alcohol can increase heart rate and cause palpitations
- Thyroid gland problems: An overactive or underactive thyroid gland can cause palpitations
- Heart conditions: Heart conditions such as arrhythmia, heart valve malfunctions, and coronary artery disease can cause palpitations
- Low blood sugar: A sudden drop in blood sugar levels can cause palpitations
Treatments for Heart Palpitations
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes can help treat and prevent heart palpitations. These include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight can place extra strain on the heart, increasing the risk of palpitations
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake: Caffeine and alcohol can trigger heart palpitations, and reducing their consumption can help alleviate symptoms
- Quitting smoking: Smoking can increase heart rate and cause palpitations
- Stress management: Practicing stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help reduce palpitations
Medications
Medications are often prescribed to treat heart palpitations. These include:
- Beta-blockers: Beta-blockers are prescribed to slow down the heart rate and reduce palpitations. These medications are often prescribed to individuals with anxiety or stress-related palpitations
- Calcium channel blockers: These medications are often used to treat palpitations caused by atrial fibrillation or other heart conditions
- Anti-arrhythmic medications: Anti-arrhythmic medications are used to treat severe or chronic palpitations caused by arrhythmias
Surgery
If heart palpitations are caused by an underlying heart condition, surgery may be necessary to cure the palpitations. Surgical options include:
- Catheter ablation: This procedure involves inserting a thin tube through the groin that is guided to the heart. The tip of the catheter is then heated or cooled to destroy the tissue causing the palpitations
- Pacemaker: If an individual has bradycardia, a pacemaker may be implanted to regulate the heartbeat and prevent palpitations
Final Thoughts
Heart palpitations can be a frightening and uncomfortable experience, but they are often benign and can be treated with the help of lifestyle modifications, medications, and surgery. If you are experiencing heart palpitations, it is important to speak with your doctor to determine the underlying cause and develop an effective treatment plan that works for you.
Common Questions and Answers
- Q: Can dehydration cause heart palpitations?
- A: Yes, dehydration can cause heart palpitations.
- Q: Are heart palpitations a sign of a heart attack?
- A: Not necessarily, heart palpitations can be a sign of various underlying conditions that are not related to a heart attack.
- Q: Can heart palpitations be caused by exercise?
- A: Yes, heart palpitations can be caused by exercise as an increase in heart rate is a typical response to physical activity.
References:
- “Heart Palpitations.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 15 Aug. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-palpitations/symptoms-causes/syc-20373196.
- “Heart Palpitations Diagnosis and Treatment.” American Heart Association, 18 Feb. 2020, www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/symptoms-diagnosis–monitoring-of-arrhythmia/heart-palpitations-diagnosis-and-treatment.