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Palpitations refer to the awareness of one’s own heartbeat where there may be a feeling of the heart beating fast, irregularly or skipped beats. An arrhythmia is an abnormality in the heart’s rhythm.
What Causes Palpitations?
Palpitations, the sensation of rapid, fluttering, or irregular heartbeats, can be caused by various factors. Common triggers include:
- Emotional stress and anxiety
- Excessive intake of caffeine or stimulants found in certain medications
- Smoking and the use of nicotine-containing products
- Insufficient fluid intake or dehydration
- Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause
- Intense physical exercise or strenuous activities
- Underlying medical conditions such as arrhythmias, thyroid disorders, or heart-related issues Some medications, like decongestants, bronchodilators, and certain asthma medications
- Imbalances in electrolytes
- Structural heart issues or arrhythmias, like atrial fibrillation
What Are Arrhythmias, And How Are They Different From Normal Heart Rhythms?
Arrhythmias are abnormal heartbeats that deviate from the normal, steady rhythm of the heart. In a regular heartbeat, the heart’s upper and lower chambers contract in a coordinated manner. Arrhythmias disrupt this coordinated rhythm, leading to irregular, fast (tachycardia), or slow (bradycardia) heart rates. Various factors can cause these irregularities and may range from benign to potentially serious, requiring diagnostic tests and sometimes interventions for management.
When Should Someone Be Concerned About Palpitations Or Arrhythmias?
Concerns about palpitations or arrhythmias arise when severe symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting. Frequent or prolonged episodes, especially if new or in middle-aged or older individuals, should prompt seeking medical attention to rule out potential heart-related issues.
Those with existing medical conditions or those on medications should be vigilant about changes in palpitations and report concerns to healthcare providers. Persistent or recurrent palpitations may necessitate medical evaluation for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management, even without severe symptoms
How Are Palpitations And Arrhythmias Diagnosed?
Diagnosing palpitations and arrhythmias involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests. Your doctor will take a thorough history and perform a physical examination. Some of the following tests may be performed:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- Holter Monitor or Event Recorder
- Echocardiogram
- Stress Test
- Blood Tests
- Electrophysiology Study (EPS)
- Cardiac MRI
What Treatment Options Are Available For Arrhythmias?
Arrhythmia treatment options include lifestyle modifications such as exercise and stress management. Depending on the type of arrhythmia, medications like anti-arrhythmics, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers may be prescribed.
Invasive procedures like cardioversion, catheter ablation, and implantable devices such as pacemakers or cardioverter-defibrillators are utilized for more severe cases. Personalized treatment plans, often involving a combination of these approaches, are determined based on the specific type and severity of the arrhythmia which will be determined by your healthcare provider.
