Doctor's Notes on Palpitations
Palpitations are feelings that occur when a person senses an abnormality in the beating and rhythm of their heart. Palpitations are symptoms of possible abnormal heart rhythms. Signs and symptoms of palpitations may include a feeling of a skipped beat or a feeling of fluttering and/or fullness in the chest and/or fullness in the throat with shortness of breath. Palpitations may vary in length from seconds to days (often intermittent). Long episodes can cause chest pains, shortness of breath, sweating, and nausea and vomiting (resembling a heart attack). Some palpitations are warning signs of serious heart rhythm problems. They include lightheadedness, fainting, and sudden death (ventricular fibrillation). The types of palpitations are premature atrial and ventricular contractions (extra beats), supraventricular tachycardia (very fast heartbeats like 150 beats per minute), atrial fibrillation and flutter (fast irregular and/or sometimes regular atrial beats, all too fast for the ventricles to respond), and ventricular tachycardia and/or fibrillation (fast heartbeats controlled by ventricular signals that may or may not allow ventricular contractions [ventricular tachycardia] or fast and irregular ventricular signals that do not permit ventricular contractions [ventricular fibrillation, that often causes sudden death]).
Causes of all palpitations are irregular electric signals conducted from the atria or ventricles. These signals are influenced by electrolyte levels, anemia, hyperthyroidism, caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, drugs (albuterol, pseudoephedrine, cocaine, for example), pregnancy, hormonal changes, structural heart abnormalities, and stress.
What Are Treatments for Heart Palpitations During Pregnancy?
Palpitations during pregnancy are common and often due to the increase in the woman's blood volume. Pregnancy may cause the heart to pump faster, resulting in palpitations. Treatment methods that may help to reduce palpitations are as follows (be sure to tell your doctor you are having palpitations):
- Reduce or stop stimulant intake (coffee, alcohol, for example).
- Do relaxation techniques.
- Keep hydrated.
- Keep electrolyte intake balanced.
- Exercise on a regular pattern.
- Practice vagus nerve stimulation (breathe slow and deep about six times per minute).
If you develop more severe symptoms during palpitations, like dizziness, fainting, pain, and/or short of breath, see a medical caregiver immediately.
Heart Disease : Test Your Medical IQ Quiz

In the U.S., 1 in every 4 deaths is caused by heart disease.
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
-
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety as a medical condition is characterized by worry, fear, nervousness, shortness of breath, sleep problems and other symptoms. Diarrhea, tremors, and rapid heart rate are some physical symptoms of severe anxiety, which may arise from a mental or physical condition, drug use, or some combination of these causes. Treatment can include medication and psychotherapy. -
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) describes a rapid, irregular heart rhythm. The irregular rhythm, or arrhythmia, results from abnormal electrical impulses in the heart. Atrial fibrillation may be treated with medications or surgery. There are many causes of atrial fibrillation, for example, pneumonia, heart disease, alcohol use, and thyroid problems. Symptoms of atrial fibrillation include chest pain and/or angina, nausea, dizziness, and heart palpitations. Atrial fibrillation is managed and treated with medication, medical procedures, and surgery. -
Atrial Flutter
Atrial flutter is a type of arrhythmia, that is, an irregularity in the beating of the heart. Symptoms of atrial flutter include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, anxiety, weakness, and a fluttering feeling in the chest. Causes of atrial flutter include heart disease, hypertension, heart muscle disease, heart abnormalities, substances, and diseases that affect other areas of the body. Treatment of atrial flutter includes defibrillation and medication. -
Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)
An electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG) is a tool used to assist in diagnosing heart diseases and conditions, for example, atrial and ventricular fibrillation, heart attacks, and heart failure. -
Fainting
Fainting or syncope, is a temporary loss of consciousness. Causes of fainting include vasovagal, situational, postural, cardiac, neurologic, and psychogenic. Treatment of fainting depends on the cause. -
Panic Attack
Panic attacks are episodes of extreme anxiety that are usually accompanied by chest pain. Panic attack symptoms and signs include chest pain, nausea, sweating, palpitations and shaking. Panic disorder is typically treated with medication and psychotherapy. -
Stress: Causes, Symptoms, Types, Treatment, and Management
All of us experience stress. But how does it affect your body? Learn about symptoms, causes, management, and treatment. -
Supraventricular Tachycardia
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT, PSVT) is one type of heart rhythm disorder. There are several types of heart diseases included in the PSVT category, for example atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, sinus tachycardia, and atrial tachycardia. Symptoms may include dizziness, shortness of breath, palpitations (rapid heartbeat), chest pain, and chest tightness. Treatment may include vagal maneuvers, medications, and surgery.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.