Heart Palpitations Treatment in Delhi, India

Heart palpitations are the sensations of having a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart. They can be caused by stress, exercise, medication, or, in rare cases, a medical condition. Heart palpitations can feel like your heart is racing, fluttering, or pounding. You might also feel it in your throat or neck. Common misconceptions include thinking heart palpitations always indicate a serious problem, while often they are harmless and related to lifestyle factors.

Types of Heart Palpitations

Different types of heart palpitations include:

Premature Atrial Contractions (PACs)

Extra heartbeats that start in the upper chambers of your heart.

Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs)

Extra heartbeats that begin in one of the heart's two lower pumping chambers (ventricles).

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is a type of arrhythmia, or abnormal heartbeat that is caused by extremely fast and irregular beats from the upper chambers of the heart.

Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) is a faster-than-normal heart rate beginning above the heart's two lower chambers.

Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)

Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) is a condition in which the heart's lower chambers (ventricles) beat very quickly.

Atrial Flutter

Atrial Flutter is a condition in which the heart's upper chambers (atria) beat too quickly.

Sinus Tachycardia

A common condition that happens sometimes in response to stressful situations and beats more than 100 times per minute

Sinus Bradycardia

A type of slow heartbeat.

Heart Palpitations Symptoms

Heart palpitations can present various symptoms, including:

• Rapid heartbeat: The heart feels racing, often without physical exertion.
• Skipping heartbeat: Occasional pauses or missed heartbeats, creating an irregular rhythm.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: Feeling faint or unsteady, often linked to heart rhythm changes.
• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing comfortably (Shortness of breath), sometimes due to heart irregularities.
• Chest pain or discomfort: Mild to severe chest pain or tightness in the chest, often heart-related.

Heart Palpitations Causes

Heart palpitations can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Lifestyle factors and emotional distress: Stress, anxiety, caffeine, energy drinks, illicit drugs, and alcohol can induce palpitations.
• Medications and medical conditions: Certain drugs (asthma inhalers, decongestants) and health issues (arrhythmias, thyroid problems) trigger palpitations.
• Hormonal and electrolyte imbalances: Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause) and low potassium or magnesium levels contribute to palpitations.
• Physical exertion: Overexertion and intense exercise can sometimes cause palpitations.

Heart Palpitations Diagnosis

Diagnosing heart palpitations typically involves several steps:

Medical history and examination

Review health background, assess symptoms, listen to the heart, and check for signs of issues.

Heart monitoring

ECG is used to measure electrical activity, and a Holter monitor is used for continuous rhythm observation.

Imaging and visualisation

Conduct an echocardiogram to visualise heart structure and function to diagnose conditions.

Laboratory tests

Perform blood tests to check electrolyte levels and other heart health indicators.

Heart Palpitations Treatment

Treatment options for heart palpitations include:

Lifestyle modifications

Stress reduction techniques, limiting caffeine intake, and methods like meditation and yoga to manage stress and reduce palpitations effectively.

Medications

Prescribed medications to control heart rhythm or manage underlying conditions.

Cardioversion

Electrical or chemical methods to restore normal heart rhythm.

Catheter ablation

Procedure to eliminate abnormal heart tissue causing palpitations, improving heart rhythm.

Implantable heart devices

Pacemakers or defibrillators are surgically placed to manage severe heart rhythm disorders effectively.

Complications of Heart Palpitations

Potential complications include:

• Loss of consciousness and heart failure: Syncope from reduced brain blood flow and heart failure causing fluid buildup and poor organ perfusion.
• Stroke and cardiac arrest: Blood clots leading to stroke or (transient ischemic attack) TIA, and sudden cardiac arrest from arrhythmias requiring immediate care.
• Emotional and psychological effects: Anxiety and panic attacks triggered by palpitations, resulting in intense fear and discomfort.
• Impact on daily life: Reduced quality of life and functional impairment due to cardiovascular issues and emotional distress.

Prevention of Heart Palpitations

Preventive measures include:

• Stress reduction and healthy habits: Practise mindfulness and relaxation, limit caffeine and stimulants, and avoid illicit drugs and excessive alcohol.
• Physical activity and weight management: Engage in regular exercise to maintain cardiovascular health and manage weight effectively.
• Medical condition management: Controlling conditions like hypertension and thyroid disorders is essential for heart health.
• Regular monitoring: Schedule routine heart check-ups to monitor health and prevent complications through early detection.

Prognosis

Heart palpitations can be alarming but are often harmless. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options can help manage them effectively. Consulting healthcare professionals ensures proper diagnosis and treatment tailored to individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can stress cause heart palpitations?

Yes, stress is a common trigger for heart palpitations. Stress management techniques can help reduce occurrences.

2. How common are heart palpitations?

Heart palpitations are quite common and often harmless, affecting many people at some point in their lives.

3. Do heart palpitations occur during exercise?

Exercise can trigger palpitations, particularly if you overexert yourself or are dehydrated.

4. Are heart palpitations hereditary?

Some types of heart palpitations can be hereditary, particularly those linked to genetic arrhythmias.

5. Can dehydration lead to heart palpitations?

Yes, dehydration can cause electrolyte imbalances, leading to heart palpitations.

6. Are heart palpitations more common at certain times of the day?

Palpitations can occur at any time but might be more noticeable at night or when at rest.

7. Can heart palpitations be felt in different parts of the body?

Typically felt in the chest, they can also be noticed in the throat or neck.

8. Are heart palpitations more common in certain age groups?

While they can occur at any age, older adults are more prone to ageing-related heart changes.

9. Are heart palpitations linked to hormonal changes?

Yes, hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders can cause palpitations.

10. Are heart palpitations more common in smokers?

Yes, smoking is a stimulant and can increase the risk of heart palpitations.

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