Heart Palpitations Treatment in Delhi, India

Heart palpitations are sensations of a rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat that can feel like the heart is fluttering or skipping beats. They can occur at rest or during physical activity and are often described as a fluttering, thumping, or racing feeling in the chest. Palpitations are usually harmless, but they can sometimes indicate underlying heart conditions, for instance, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), that might require treatment. Common triggers include stress, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, or hormonal changes. If palpitations are persistent or accompanied by symptoms like dizziness or chest pain, it is important to seek medical evaluation.

There can be a plethora of causes associated with palpitations. Usually, palpitations are related to the heart, or in some cases, the cause is completely unknown. Below are the points which define what causes heart palpitations: 

• Strong emotions like anxiety, fear, or stress. They also take place in times of panic attacks.
• Strenuous physical activity
• Caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, or certain illegal drugs like cocaine and amphetamines
• Medical conditions responsible for palpitations include thyroid disease, a low level of blood sugar, anaemia, low level of blood pressure, pyrexia and dehydration.
• Hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, or even before menopause. Sometimes, palpitations during pregnancy are signs of anaemia.
• Medications comprising diet pills, decongestants, asthma inhalers, and other drugs are given to prevent arrhythmias or treat an underactive thyroid
• Some herbal and nutritional supplements
• Abnormal electrolyte levels

Patients are at a greater risk of developing palpitations if they are:

• Highly tensed
• Having a regular anxiety disorder or panic attacks
• Pregnant
• Medicines that comprise of stimulants like in some cold or asthma medications
• Having an overactive thyroid gland called hyperthyroidism

Having various other heart issues like an arrhythmia, a heart defect, history of previous heart attack or previous heart surgery

Some of the common symptoms of heart palpitations include:

• Skipping beats
• Fluttering rapidly
• Beating too fast
• Pounding
• Flip-flopping

If the doctor thinks that these palpitations are taking place either due to arrhythmia or some other serious condition, they will advise certain tests, which include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): This is a very common and noninvasive test in which the technician places leads around the chest area in order to record the electrical signals constituting the heartbeat. An ECG can help to detect problems in the heartbeat and structures of the heart that could give rise to palpitations. The test will be performed either at rest or during exercise, which is called a stress electrocardiogram.
• Holter monitoring: The patient is made to don this portable device in order to record a continuous ECG, usually lasting for about 24 to 72 hours, while the patient is keeping a record of palpitations. Holter monitoring is mainly used to detect those heart palpitations that aren't detected during a regular ECG examination. Nowadays, some portable and personal devices, like smartwatches, do offer ECG monitoring.
• Event recording: If the patient is not having irregular heart rhythms while wearing a Holter monitor or if the frequency of events take place less than once a week, the doctor might suggest an event recorder which is a portable ECG device intended to monitor heart activity lasting from over a week to a few months. The patient wears it all day, but the recording is done only at certain specific times for a few minutes. It is activated by pressing a button when there are symptoms of a quick heart rate.
• Echocardiogram: This non-invasive examination depicts a picture of the heart with the help of sound waves. It can demonstrate blood flow and structure problems with your heart.

Treatment for heart palpitations depends on their underlying cause and severity. Options include:

1. Lifestyle Changes: Reducing caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol intake, managing stress, and getting regular exercise can help alleviate palpitations.
2. Medications: If palpitations are due to an arrhythmia or another condition, medications such as beta-blockers or antiarrhythmics may be prescribed.
3. Stress Management: Techniques like relaxation exercises, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioural therapy can help manage stress-induced palpitations.
4. Medical Procedures: In some cases, procedures like cardioversion, ablation, or implantation of a pacemaker may be necessary if the palpitations are caused by an underlying heart condition.
5. Treating Underlying Conditions: Addressing any medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, anaemia, or electrolyte imbalances that may be causing the palpitations.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuous monitoring with devices like Holter monitors or event recorders can help diagnose the cause and guide treatment.

Always consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

Unless a heart condition is the main cause of heart palpitations, there's very little chance of complications. For palpitations caused due to heart condition, possible complications include:

• Fainting- If the heart beats rapidly, the blood pressure levels can drop significantly, causing the patient to faint. This is seen more commonly if the patient has an ongoing heart problem like congenital heart disease or certain valve issues.
• Cardiac arrest- Very rarely, palpitations can be caused by life-threatening arrhythmias and can cause obstruction in the efficient working of the heart.
• Stroke- If palpitations are present due to a condition in which the upper heart chambers shrink and start shaking instead of functioning effectively (atrial fibrillation), blood can pool and cause the formation of clots. If a clot breaks loose, it can always travel to the brain and block an artery, causing stroke.
• Heart failure- This can result if the heart is pumping ineffectively for a prolonged period of time due to an arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation. It can be prevented by controlling the rate of arrhythmia, causing heart failure to improve your heart's function.

How long do heart palpitations last?

Heart palpitations can vary in duration, lasting from a few seconds to minutes. In some cases, they may persist for hours or even longer, depending on the underlying cause.

Are there natural remedies to alleviate heart palpitations?

Yes, there are natural remedies that may help alleviate heart palpitations, such as deep breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, reducing caffeine intake, staying hydrated, and managing stress levels.

Do heart palpitations go away on their own?

In many cases, heart palpitations may go away on their own without treatment, especially if they are triggered by temporary factors like stress or caffeine intake. However, if palpitations persist or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, medical attention should be sought.

Are heart palpitations dangerous?

Heart palpitations themselves are not always dangerous, but they can sometimes indicate an underlying heart condition or other health issues. It's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

What is the best medicine for heart palpitations?

The choice of medication for heart palpitations depends on the underlying cause. Beta-blockers or antiarrhythmic drugs may be prescribed to help manage palpitations associated with certain heart conditions.

Are heart palpitations normal?

Occasional heart palpitations are normal and often harmless, especially if they occur infrequently and are not accompanied by other symptoms. However, frequent or persistent palpitations should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

When should I worry about heart palpitations?

You should seek medical attention if you experience frequent, prolonged, or severe heart palpitations, especially if they are accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting.

What dietary changes can help manage heart palpitations?

Dietary changes that may help manage heart palpitations include reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, avoiding large meals before bedtime, staying hydrated, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in magnesium and potassium.

What vitamin deficiency causes heart palpitations?

A deficiency in certain vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, potassium, or vitamin B12, can contribute to heart palpitations. Ensuring an adequate intake of these nutrients through diet or supplementation may help alleviate palpitations in some cases.

Should I see a cardiologist for heart palpitations?

It's advisable to see a cardiologist if you experience heart palpitations, especially if they are frequent, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms. A cardiologist can perform further evaluation and recommend appropriate treatment.

Can kidney stones cause heart palpitations?

While kidney stones themselves may not directly cause heart palpitations, severe pain associated with kidney stones can lead to increased heart rate and palpitations as a physiological response to pain.

Are heart palpitations curable?

The curability of heart palpitations depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, palpitations can be managed or alleviated through lifestyle changes, medication, or treatments targeting the specific underlying condition.

Can ulcers cause heart palpitations?

Ulcers themselves typically do not cause heart palpitations. However, certain factors associated with ulcers, such as stress, anxiety, or medications used for ulcer treatment, may indirectly contribute to palpitations in some individuals.

Are heart palpitations a sign of a future heart attack?

Heart palpitations alone are not necessarily a sign of an impending heart attack. However, palpitations can sometimes occur alongside other symptoms that may indicate a heart problem. If you experience palpitations along with symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, seek immediate medical attention.

What heart conditions are related to palpitations?

The following heart conditions may be related to palpitations:

• Prior heart attack
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart valve problems
• Heart muscle problems
• Heart failure

How to stop heart palpitations?

You can stop heart palpitations by avoiding the triggers that cause the symptoms.

• Try To Relax
• Try Medication or Yoga
• Take Deep Breathing
• Avoid Caffeine and energy drinks
• Avoid Drugs

What is the prognosis/outlook for individuals with frequent heart palpitations?

Heart palpitations are generally not a cause of concern in the majority of the patients. Generally, they do settle on their own. People who do have palpitations can continue their normal lives without worrying much.

When should one worry about heart palpitations?

Heart palpitation is a matter of concern if the patient suffers from the following issues:

• Pain, pressure or tightness around the chest, neck, jaw, arm or upper back.
• Shortness of breath.
• Unusual sweating.
• Symptoms that are new or get worse.

Reviewed By Dr Vaibhav Mishra- Director & Head - CTVS Cardiac Surgery (CTVS), Cardiac Sciences on 9 Aug 2024.

1. Doctors Use the Balloon Cryoablation Procedure to Treat Arrhythmia - First in India
2. Difference between ECG and ECHO
3. How is Cardiac Arrest Different from a Heart Attack?
4. Do You Know the Warning Signs and Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure?