Palpitations : Heart palpitations are an abnormality of the normal heart beat and rhythm, and are a symptom of another disease or problem. Causes of heart palpitations include heart disease or other heart problems (mitral valve prolapse, atrial fibrillation), during pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, postmenopause, anxiety, emotional stress, stimulants (caffeine, alcohol, drugs), and some over-the-counter and prescription medications.
Other symptoms that may accompany heart palpitations include nausea, vomiting, sweating, shortness of breath, and angina (heart pain). Some types of heart palpitations can be fatal, for example, ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.
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Anxiety
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
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)
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 Attacks
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 Health
Everyone is familiar with stress. We experience it in varying forms and degrees every day. In small doses, stress can actually be beneficial to us. Stress symptoms include anxiety, distraction, nervousness, internal pressure, and irritability. The first step in managing stress is to identify the cause. -
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.
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Palpitations Topic Guide - Visuals
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Palpitations Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
Digoxin (oral)Digoxin is derived from the leaves of a digitalis plant and is used to treat heart failure.
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MetoprololMetoprolol is a beta-blocker that affects the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins)...learn more »
Verapamil (oral)Verapamil is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), angina (chest pain), and certain heart rhythm disorders...learn more »
PropranololPropranolol is a beta-blocker. Beta-blockers affect the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins)...learn more »
WarfarinWarfarin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). Warfarin reduces the formation of blood clots...learn more »
AtenololAtenolol is a beta-blocker that affects the heart and circulation (blood flow through arteries and veins)...learn more »
Palpitations Topic Guide – Related Topics
Related Topics:
Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a group of different types of heart disease. Symptoms of heart disease depend on the cause and inclue chest pain or angina, s...
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Mitral Valve Prolapse
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP, click-murmur syndrome, Barlow syndrome) is a condition in which parts of the learn more »
Heart Rhythm Disorders
Arrhythmias or heart rhythm disorders are conditions that causes changes in the normal heartbeat. There are numerous types of arrhythmias, for example, ...
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