Palpitations : Have you ever felt your heart racing, fluttering, or pounding unexpectedly? That sensation is known as a palpitation — and while it can feel alarming, it’s often harmless.
What Are Palpitations?
Palpitations are the sensation of feeling your heartbeat. It may feel:
•Too slow
•Too fast (racing)
•Irregular (skipped beats or fluttering)
•Like a thump in the chest
•They can occur during rest or activity and may last seconds to minutes.
•According to the American Heart Association, most Fluttering sensation are harmless, but persistent or severe episodes may indicate an arrhythmia.
Common Causes of Palpitations
Most Irregular heartbeat are not dangerous and can be triggered by:
•Anxiety or stress
•In thyroid patients
•Caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol
•Dehydration or electrolyte imbalance
•Fever or infection
•Lack of sleep
•Exercise or overexertion: Irregular heartbeat are common among athletes, especially older endurance athletes
•Certain medications (e.g., asthma inhalers, decongestants)
Fluttering sensation are brought about by cardiac (43%), psychiatric (31%), miscellaneous (10%), and unknown (16%) causes.
The cardiovascular causes are premature atrial and ventricular contractions, supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, mitral valve prolapse (with or without associated arrhythmias), aortic insufficiency, atrial myxoma, myocarditis, and pulmonary embolism.
When to Worry?
Sometimes, Irregular heartbeat may signal an underlying heart problem, especially if you also have:
•Chest pain
•Fainting or dizziness
•Shortness of breath
•A history of heart disease
In such cases, evaluation by a doctor is important to rule out conditions like arrhythmias, thyroid disorders, or valvular heart disease.
Diagnosis
Your doctor may recommend:
•Chest auscultation with stethoscope
•ECG (Electrocardiogram)
•Holter monitoring (24–48 hour ECG)
•Blood tests (thyroid function, electrolytes)
•Echocardiogram if a structural heart issue is suspected
•If underlying heart disorder present doctor will treat by heart surgical interventions, cardiac pace makers and pace setters. If due to anxiety beta blockers helps.Also given in thyroid patients(propranolol is recommended drug).
•Abstention of offending agents like alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs.
Tips to Reduce Palpitations
If your Racing heart are benign, lifestyle changes can help:
•Cut down on caffeine and alcohol
•Manage stress through breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation
•Stay hydrated
•Sleep well
Conclusion
Most Racing heart are not dangerous — but listen to your body. If you’re experiencing frequent or bothersome heart flutters, especially with other symptoms, it’s best to consult a physician.
If you’re feeling Fluttering sensation right now, don’t panic — sit down, take slow deep breaths, and if symptoms persist, consult a doctor.
