Palpitations

Heart palpitation involves sensation of rapid, fluttering or pounding heart beat. Although it is often harmless, however, it can be troublesome. In most cases, there are no symptoms as such of palpitations except the feeling related to pounding of heart by an individual. It should be seriously noticed when palpitation occurs with dizziness, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, pain or fainting.

The most common causes of the palpitations include anxiety, stress, exercise, caffeine, nicotine, fever, change in hormone (associated with menstruation, pregnancy or menopause) and medicines having pseudoephedrine, (an ingredient, premature contractions caused by high level of adrenaline in blood, in some cold and allergy medicines). It is difficult to determine the cause of palpitations. Rarely, it can be a sign of hyperthyroidism or an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia).

The person concerned about heart palpitations, should consult the doctor as soon as it is realized. Doctors usually recommend further evaluation such as heart monitoring tests. Palpitations having no heart diseases history may not need specific treatment. They are often advised simply to reduce emotional and physical stress while monitoring their symptoms.

The palpitations resulting from premature contractions also require no specific treatment. The occurrence of premature contractions can be reduced by stress reduction, quitting smoking, and reducing caffeine, and alcohol consumption. The stress reduction helps to lower the blood adrenaline levels. The patient having constant palpitations and premature contractions experts suggest medications such as beta-blockers; can be used to block the effect of adrenaline in the heart, thus reducing premature contractions.