Palpitations are the feeling that one's heart is beating too fast or irregularly. They can be described as pounding or fluttering in the chest, or the heart is beating too fast or forcefully. Although palpitations often turn out to be harmless, sometimes they are an indication of an illness. It can occur under any conditions; at times of physical activity, stress, or just when at rest. Knowing what palpitations mean may be necessary because they could present with an increased heart rate or an irregular heartbeat.
Most people experience a fluttering feeling in the chest. It is as if some butterfly were flapping its wings inside their chest. This fluttering feeling occurs when the heart also beats irregularly or rapidly, giving it awareness of the rhythm in which the heart is beating. It can be quite frightening when one feels as though the heart is skipping a beat or otherwise beating irregularly.
It can also be the case that thumping or pounding is present, making it feel like the heart is pounding more vigorously than normal. Such a case of physical exercise or heightened emotional tension can indeed make this symptom very pronounced, creating discomfort and making one acutely aware of heart activity.
Such people may feel unable to breathe properly. Shortness of breath varies from just feeling unable to get enough air to almost a choking feeling. It often co-occurs with palpitations but could also be an anxiety and panic symptom.
Dizziness or lightheadedness may present alongside palpitations. This could also be accompanied by an almost fainted or unbalanced sensation. The danger is especially dire and may even suggest poor blood flow to the brain, a more critical symptom when other symptoms such as chest pain occur at the same time.
Normally, anxiety or even panic is strongly associated with palpitations in the minds of people. The vicious cycle may often set in as anxiety promotes more palpitations. Fear and dread may be so intense that full-blown panic attacks can occur in response to the sensation of palpitations.
Several factors can contribute to heart palpitations, including:
Stress and Anxiety: The most common cause of palpitations is emotional stress, anxiety, or panic disorders. When one experiences emotional stress, anxiety, or other panic disorders, the body's autonomic nervous system will release the hormone adrenaline, making the heart pump more forcefully and increasing the heartbeat. Hence, at this state of arousal, palpitations can persist, mostly among the anxious.
Caffeine and Stimulants: Stimulants including caffeine, nicotine, and prescription medications can cause an abnormal working of the heart. Many overuse caffeine through coffee, tea, energy drinks, or chocolate. In very large quantities, they stimulate the heart and produce palpitations. Nicotine from tobacco also causes tachycardia and will sometimes produce arrhythmias.
Hormonal Changes: Humans experience major hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives, especially at such periods as pregnancy, menstruation, and climacterium. Pregnant women are likely to suffer from palpitations since the estrogen levels surge significantly, and progesterone levels also rise five to ten times. They alter the blood volume and heart rate proportionally and produce palpitation. Likewise, the fluctuating hormone level in females during their menstrual cycle or during climacterium might lead to palpitations in them.
Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions cause palpitations. Hyperthyroidism is an example condition where there is unwanted activity of the thyroid gland, which speeds up the metabolism as well as the heart rate. Other medical conditions include anaemia or a relatively low count of red blood cells, heart diseases (atrial fibrillation or arrhythmias), or imbalances of electrolytes in one's system that can contribute to the palpitate feeling.
While occasional palpitations are usually harmless, you should seek medical attention if you experience:
To manage and alleviate palpitations, consider the following Ayurvedic treatments and lifestyle adjustments:
Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna): Arjuna is one of the chief plants in Ayurveda, which is used for heart health conditions. It increases the cardiac muscle and enhances circulation, thus reducing palpitations and keeping blood pressure low. The antiseptic nature of flavonoids and tannins balances and brings blood pressure down. Intake of powdered Arjuna or decoction helps in maintaining a healthy heart and prevents numerous heart-related diseases.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): This is an adaptogenic herb that controls stress and anxiety, known causes of heart palpitations. By controlling cortisol levels, Ashwagandha induces calmness and enhances the general function of the heart. It will mitigate frequent palpitations and enhance overall feelings of well-being.
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum): Cardamom is a very sedating herb. It may soothe palpitations somewhat in response to some anxiety. Cardamom elevates the mood. So it may help prevent the kind of palpitations that occur from discomfort related to the gastrointestinal tract because it aids digestion.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Ginger is excellent for digestion and can help reduce palpitations caused by digestive issues. Drinking ginger tea can provide relief and improve overall digestive health, which may indirectly help alleviate heart palpitations.
Panchakarma: It is a collection of detoxification treatments meant to cleanse the body and bring balance to the doshas. Procedures such as Basti, or enema therapy, help to eliminate extra heat and toxins, thus offering improvements in heart health as well as reducing palpitations.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Various fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants, such as berries, spinach, and bell peppers, should be included in the diet. These reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the heart, thus stabilising heart function.
Whole Grains: Include whole grains such as oats, quinoa, and brown rice, as they are high in nutrients and fibre, which stabilise blood sugar levels and reduce the spiking palpitations that one might experience from blood sugar spikes.
Herbal Teas: Herbal teas, for instance, chamomile and ginger, are known to be soothing. Chamomile calms the mind and body; ginger aids digestion and may thus relieve palpitations caused by poor digestion.
Caffeine and Sugary Drinks: Minimise or eliminate caffeine and sugary beverages, as they can stimulate the heart and increase the risk of palpitations. Opt for water or herbal teas instead to stay hydrated without the added stimulants.
Heavy Meals: Avoid heavy or large meals that can cause digestive discomfort. Heavy meals put more strain on the stomach and diaphragm, causing palpitations. Take many small meals for proper digestion.
Manage Stress: Stress is considerably reduced using meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. Involvement in such practices decreases cortisol levels and induces relaxation, hence reducing the anxiety due to palpitations.
Regular Exercise: Do moderate physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, to enhance cardiovascular health. Regular physical activity is thus good for the heart and the fewer chances of getting palpitations.
Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get enough sleep at night because lack of sleep may increase stress levels, thereby worsening palpitations. An aim of 7-9 hours of quality sleep supports good health and well-being.
Heart palpitations can be caused by stress, anxiety, caffeine, hormonal changes, medical conditions, and dietary factors.
To stop palpitations immediately, try deep breathing exercises, drink water, or practise mindfulness techniques to calm the body.
In most cases, heart palpitations are harmless, but persistent or severe symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Yes, gas or digestive issues can lead to heart palpitations due to discomfort and pressure on the diaphragm.
The ICD-10 code for palpitations is R00.2, which is used for billing and coding in medical settings.
Controlling anxiety-induced palpitations may involve stress management techniques, meditation, and the use of Ayurvedic herbs like ashwagandha.
Symptoms include a racing heart, fluttering sensations, shortness of breath, dizziness, and anxiety.
Home remedies include consuming ginger tea, cardamom, and practising relaxation techniques.
Yes, palpitations during pregnancy can be common due to hormonal changes, increased blood volume, and stress.
Yes, Ayurvedic remedies like arjuna, ashwagandha, and cardamom are beneficial for managing heart palpitations.
