Heart palpitations can be common but sometimes it can be dangerous. Many people believe that when our heart beats faster than usual it’s just a sensation which is harmless. While palpitations are usually harmless, in some cases it can be heart rhythm problem or another medical condition. In most cases people face this problem because of anxiety and stress.

So, it becomes important to understand what heart palpitations are, why they occur, and when to take medical help can reduce anxiety and help individuals respond appropriately. This article explains heart palpitations in a clear, medically accurate, and easy-to-understand manner.

What Are Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations^[1] is a feeling when your heart starts beating faster than usual, missing beats or pounding. Sometimes it can be a normal sensation because of exercise, or any other physical activity whereas sometimes it can be dangerous if left unnoticed. You can notice palpitations with the changes in heart rate, strength or regularity. Anyone can have palpitation irrespective of their age, or gender but it is most common in females. The common ways which tell palpitations, for example, people will feel their heartbeat suddenly becoming faster, a pounding sensation, missing or irregular heartbeats. But people panic mostly and misunderstand it as a cardiac issue. 

An individual can feel palpitations in different parts apart from the chest and those areas are throat and neck. A person might feel it for a few seconds or either for a few minutes.

Why Does the Heart Beat Faster During Palpitations?

There can be many reasons why the heart beats faster during palpitations. Normally, the heart beats faster when the electrical system controlling heart rhythm is stimulated and this can happen due to physical, emotional, or medical factors.

In many cases, the heart itself is structurally normal, and the faster heartbeat is a temporary physiological response rather than a disease.

Common Causes of Heart Palpitations

1. Stress and Anxiety

Sometimes when a person is overloaded with stress it causes their heart to beat faster than usual. Similarly other factors like panic attacks and anxiety cause the heart rate to change. This happens because all those conditions related to mental health triggers the release of adrenaline, which increases the heart rate and makes it beat faster than usual.

2. Physical Activity

While doing physical exercise an individual can notice that their heart rate starts increasing and making their heart beat faster. This happens because when you exercise the demand of oxygen in your body increases so to meet that demand heart starts pumping faster.Palpitations during or after exercise are often normal unless it is accompanied by other symptoms.

3. Stimulants

Eating habits of a person can also change the rate of heart because there are few things which stimulate the nervous system that can cause palpitations. For example caffeine, nicotine, energy drinks and certain medicines like decongestants.

4. Hormonal Changes

As females face palpitations more often than male and it can be during hormonal fluctuations like pregnancy, menstruation and menopause. These all conditions can affect heart rhythm and lead to palpitations.

5. Medical Conditions

There are certain health conditions that may cause persistent or recurrent palpitations, such as Arrhythmias^[2] (abnormal heart rhythms), Thyroid disorders^[3] (especially hyperthyroidism), Anemia,^[4] Low blood sugar and Electrolyte imbalance^[5].

Types of Heart Palpitations

Heart palpitations may occur due to different rhythm changes, including:

• Tachycardia: Abnormally fast heart rate
• Premature beats: Early heartbeats that feel like a “skip”
• Irregular rhythms: Such as atrial fibrillation^[6]

Not all rhythm changes are dangerous, but some require medical evaluation.

When Are Heart Palpitations a Cause for Concern?

Although most palpitations are harmless and normal, medical attention is recommended if palpitations are accompanied by:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheartedness
• Fainting or near-fainting
• Persistent or worsening symptoms

These signs may indicate an underlying heart condition that requires immediate help of a healthcare professional.

How Are Heart Palpitations Diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose palpitations by:

• Reviewing medical history
• Performing a physical examination

Using tests such as:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Holter monitoring
• Blood tests (to check thyroid levels or anemia)

Diagnosis focuses on identifying whether palpitations are physiological, functional, or pathological.

Management and Treatment of Heart Palpitations

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Common management strategies include:

• Reducing caffeine and stimulant intake
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques
• Treating underlying medical conditions
• Medications for rhythm control (if necessary)

In many cases, reassurance and lifestyle modification are sufficient.

Can Heart Palpitations Be Prevented?

• Preventive measures include:
• Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule
• Staying hydrated
• Managing stress effectively
• Avoiding known triggers
• Following medical advice for existing conditions

Awareness of personal triggers plays a key role in prevention.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for concerns related to heart health.

FAQs on Heart Palpitations

1. When to worry about heart palpitations?

If your heart beats start getting faster it can be normal for some cases and harmless but it can be a matter of concern if you face other symptoms with palpitations like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting or worsening symptoms. In such cases, it is important to take medical help as soon as possible.

2. What do heart palpitations feel like?

Heart palpitation is the feeling where you feel your heart rate increasing faster than usual , you feel like a butterfly is flapping inside your chest or irregular heartbeat.

3. How to stop heart palpitations?

To stop it you need to calm down first then sit or lie down to relax your shoulders and after this start doing breathing exercise. Do this for a few minutes and then wash your face with cold water.

4. Are heart palpitations normal?

In most cases it is common and harmless but can need medical health if it comes with other symptoms like chest pain, short breathing or dizziness. 

You can also read: Cause and Concern about Ligma Disease.