What Are Heart Palpitations Causes & Symptoms

“Palpitations” is the term used to describe a general awareness that the heart is beating, or the sensation that it is beating irregularly, or faster, or with more force than it should, given the level of exertion. Not all palpitations indicate a serious condition, but they should be investigated. The heart normally beats at a rate of about 70 beats a minute.

Symptoms
• Heart feels as though it is beating harder or faster than usual.
• Fluttering or thumping in the chest, with an alarming sensation as though the heart has stopped beating.
• Possible faintness and breathlessness.

Causes 
Heartbeat is controlled by the autonomic nervous system. If nerve impulses are disrupted, the heart will continue beating, but at its own, usually slower rate. The most common form of palpitation—usually experienced at rest—is caused by ectopic heartbeats, when a premature beat is followed by an unusually long pause. This feels like a thumping or fluttering in the chest, and is not usually indicative of heart disease. It is caused by stimulants—for example large amounts of caffeine or heavy smoking. Palpitations with an irregular heartbeat may be symptomatic of heart disease. They may also be caused by an overactive thyroid gland, high fever, food allergy, and certain recreational drugs, such as amphetamines or cocaine. Palpitations may be a side-effect of some prescribed drugs, particularly those that regulate blood pressure, or they may be triggered by anxiety.

Conventional care 
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Investigations may include 24-hour electrocardiograms (ECGs) to explore the level of electrical activity in the heart, and thyroidfunction tests to identify gland disorders. Appropriate drug therapy will follow. In extreme cases, a normal heart rhythm may have to be reestablished using cardioversion (electric shocks).

Homeopathic medicine
In addition to an individual’s medical history, a homeopath will consider emotional state, any local aggravating factors, such as the effects of cold air or physical exhaustion, and food preferences. Prescription of constitutional remedies will be largely determined by specific symptoms, but some remedies have an affinity with the heart. Agaricus is associated with heart irregularities induced by stimulants. Apis is indicated for organic heart disease accompanied by fluid retention. China is associated with nervous exhaustion. Conium is effective for an incompetent mitral valve, and Kali. carb. is indicated if there are associated respiratory problems such as asthma. Other remedies include Argentum nit., Aurum met., Calc. carb., Lachesis, Nat. mur., Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Sepia, and Sulphur. Acute attacks are also treated according to specific symptoms. Remedies include Aconite, if onset is sudden, especially after shock, with a fear of dying; and Nux vomica, if palpitations result from overindulgence, or if there is physical and mental exhaustion with overarousal from doing too much, chilliness, and irritability. Digitalis is given for palpitations preceding a feeling as though the heart has stopped, with a fear that the least movement might make it stop again; and Lachesis is prescribed for menopausal women who feel faint and anxious, and complain of a constricted feeling in the chest.

Lifestyle
Smoking is inadvisable, and those who consume large amounts of caffeine should reduce their intake. The diet should be low in fat and refined carbohydrates, and high in oily fish and vegetarian proteins. A nutritionist can advise about possible food allergy, but it is worth eliminating suspected triggers from the diet. Plenty of rest, sleep, and relaxation techniques or meditation are advisable. Time-management techniques can help to reduce stress levels

C A U T I O N
• If palpitations are accompanied by chest pain, breathing difficulties, dizziness, sweating, or fainting, see a doctor immediately.
• If palpitations last for several hours, or recur over several days, consult a doctor.