Heart palpitations: what causes it and how to treat it?

The adult heart generally beats 60-100 beats per minute with a regular rhythm. Even so, there are many things that can cause your heart to beat suddenly and get an erratic rhythm. In medical terms, the condition of the heart beats irregularly is called heart palpitations. What causes it, and how to solve it?

What causes heart palpitations?

The heart can beat faster after strenuous exercise, due to psychological problems (such as stress, fear, anxiety, or panic attacks), excessive caffeine consumption, or after eating certain foods, such as foods high in carbohydrates, fats, and micins (MSG). .

Some of the other common causes of heart palpitations include:

• Certain diseases or conditions, such as excess thyroid hormone, anemia, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), fever, lack of fluids (dehydration) and low blood pressure.
• Hormonal changes, especially during menstruation, pregnancy and before menopause.
• Side effects of medications such as asthma medications, decongestants, diet drugs, and anti-arrhythmic drugs. Certain herbal supplements can also cause palpitations.
• Abnormal blood electrolyte levels

Heart palpitations may also be caused by more serious heart problems. Usually, irregular heart rhythm caused by coronary heart disease, a history of heart attack, congestive heart failure, heart valve disorders, heart muscle problems, blood vessel problems, or heart muscle disorders.

What are the signs and symptoms?

In addition to a palpable heart which is characterized by a feeling of shortness of breath, heart palpitations can also tend to trigger sudden anxiety or dizziness.

If your palpitations are due to heart disease, there will usually be other accompanying symptoms - such as dizziness, lightheadedness or unsteadiness, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

How do you deal with heart palpitations?

Heart palpitations are generally harmless. When palpitations occur it generally won't last long either.

Handling of heart palpitations must be in accordance with the cause. But in general, the following strategies can be taken as an emergency measure:

1. Avoid these stress and anxiety triggers. For example, by moving alone to a more quiet and calm place.
2. Lie down for a while doing relaxation exercises, deep breathing, or listening to music to divert your mind. If possible you can do yoga, tai chi, or meditation while inhaling aromatherapy.
3. Immediately stop consumption that can cause palpitations, such as alcoholic drinks, cigarettes, caffeine (tea, coffee, energy drinks), and certain foods that have been mentioned above.
4. If your heart palpitations appear after taking a drug, stop using it first. It would be better if you consult with your doctor before deciding to stop it.

It is important to note any time your heart starts to flutter, and what you were doing or were doing before it happened. This note is useful for knowing the patterns and triggers. Also record your number of heartbeats at the time of the incident, and whether there are other symptoms that accompany it.

If after doing the methods above, your heart still feels pounding or you experience more dizziness, lightheadedness, chest pain and tightness, you should immediately see your doctor to check your condition.

In some cases, palpitations can be a symptom of heart disease, especially if they are accompanied by the following signs:

• Cannot breathe normally
• Dizziness and / or chest pain
• Fainting

Immediately go to the nearest doctor or hospital emergency room to get a diagnosis and timely medical care if needed. If your irregular heartbeat problem is really caused by a heart disease, the doctor will provide treatment according to the underlying condition.

Tips to prevent the heart from beating fast again

By maintaining a healthy heart, you will be kept away from various heart rhythm problems. Some of the things you can do are:

• A heart-friendly healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, olive oil, whole grains, nuts, fish, low / non-fat dairy, and whole grains.
• Always be active for at least 30 minutes per day, or if this is not possible: at least 150 minutes per week. Your doctor can tell you what level of exercise is safe for you.
• Lose weight if you feel it is necessary, and maintain a healthy weight.
• Manage other health problems you may have, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
• Manage stress in a good way, such as meditation, yoga, or with deep breathing techniques.