The heart is an organ that pumps blood carrying oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. It works involuntarily, beyond human conscious control. Usually, you can feel your heartbeat by placing a hand on your chest, but in some conditions, the heartbeat can be very strong and uncomfortable, a phenomenon known medically as palpitations or rapid heartbeating. It can also be accompanied by a pounding sensation in the chest or neck and sudden increases in heart rate.

Palpitations are a common and generally non-threatening occurrence. They can be caused by various factors such as foods, drinks, or supplements consumed. However, palpitations can also indicate other underlying conditions that require further management. This article briefly summarizes various causes and how to address them.

What Are Palpitations?

Palpitations, or palpitation of the heart, is a condition where you feel your heartbeat stronger or faster than usual. Some people describe it as a hard thumping felt in the chest. Although experiences may vary, it generally leads to discomfort. Palpitations can occur at rest or during activities, for a brief moment or persist for a long time. Despite being common, it shouldn't be ignored. If you experience:

1. Continuous palpitations, worsening over time
2. Accompanied by discomfort or chest pain
3. Headaches, dizziness, or even fainting
4. Mild to severe shortness of breath

If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately as it could deteriorate your health.

What Can Cause Palpitations?

While palpitations are felt and sensed in the heart, many other factors can trigger them. Here are the causes:

1. Anxiety: Feelings of anxiety, or anxiety in medical terms, are our body's basic response to threats. These threats can be visible and dangerous, like natural disasters, or something disturbing our minds, like facing exams. The impact of anxiety isn't confined to thoughts. Anxiety activates the autonomic nervous system, making us more vigilant. This nervous system increases the activity of various other organs such as the heart, lungs, and digestive system. Thus, symptoms include not only palpitations but also shortness of breath and stomach discomfort.
2. Heart Disorders: Palpitations in some people indicate a disruption in heart rhythm, most commonly arrhythmias. In arrhythmias, the heart's electrical system, which typically beats 60-100 times per minute, malfunctions. The heart may beat faster (tachycardia), slower (bradycardia), or erratically, causing the atria and ventricles to work out of sync. People with arrhythmias often experience discomfort or even chest pain. If you have such symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical help.
3. Consumption of Food or Medications: Pay attention to the food or medication you're consuming; it might trigger palpitations. Some foods and medications include:
   • Caffeine: found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some sodas.
   • Alcohol: both food and drink containing alcohol can increase heart rate. Palpitations due to excessive alcohol consumption are called "holiday heart."
   • Medications: various medications can trigger palpitations either directly or indirectly. Common culprits are asthma inhalers, blood pressure medications, antiallergic drugs, antidepressants, and some antibiotics (macrolides).
4. Specific Body Conditions: Certain bodily conditions can cause palpitations, including:
   • Thyroid Hormone Disorders: The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism. If produced excessively, it increases heart activity, causing palpitations.
   • Low Blood Sugar: Too low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can disrupt the autonomic nervous system, making the heart beat faster.
   • Hormonal Changes: Commonly seen in women experiencing hormonal fluctuations through menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.

How to Manage Palpitations?

Generally, palpitations are harmless and can resolve on their own without specific treatment. You can manage them by avoiding triggers that cause palpitations. Here are steps you can take at home:

1. Reduce Stress: Practice relaxation techniques at home such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises.
2. Avoid Stimulants: Prevent the intake of stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, and medications that can trigger palpitations.
3. Avoid Medications with Palpitation Side Effects: Avoid medications with palpitation side effects, such as amphetamines.

If, after taking these steps, your palpitations persist, it's advisable to seek medical help based on the underlying condition, such as:

• If your palpitations are caused by heart conditions like arrhythmias, the focus will be on addressing that issue. Doctors might prescribe anti-arrhythmic drugs or perform medical procedures based on the diagnosis.
• If the cause is hormonal imbalances, therapy to balance these hormones will be provided. This can range from medications to surgical procedures like thyroidectomy for thyroid disorders.
• If palpitations are due to excessive anxiety or other mental issues, consulting a doctor for counseling or mental therapy is recommended.

Author: dr. Ramadhina Anggita

Source:
https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/can-anxiety-cause-heart-palpitations#takeaway
https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/heart-palpitations-after-eating#coping
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-palpitations/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373201