Most of us have felt them – a quick fluttering in the chest or throat, or even a pounding sensation. Most of the time, heart palpitations are harmless, due to causes such as medication or hormones. But if they’re more frequent, they could signal an underlying issue.
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It’s quite unsettling when you feel that flutter in your chest, a racing heartbeat or that sensation that your heart has skipped a beat. And the accompanying anxiety sometimes exacerbates them. While heart palpitations are often harmless, you must also pay attention when they’re persistent, as they may signal an underlying condition that needs medical care.
Heart palpitations occur when you’re unusually aware of your heartbeat. You may feel pounding, fluttering or irregular beats in your chest or throat. And for women, several factors can make it more likely to experience them.
Hormonal changes
A common culprit are hormones that fluctuate. In perimenopause and menopause, oestrogen levels that drop can affect the cardiovascular system. As a result, some women will experience heart palpitations alongside hot flushes, anxiety and night sweats.
Too much alcohol and caffeine
Alcohol may lead to palpitations, especially when consumed close to bedtime. As well as caffeine. So while the morning cuppa might be harmless, excess caffeine is something to consider cutting out.
Stress and anxiety
When the body experiences emotional stress, adrenaline is released, causing the heart to beat faster – and harder! So try and establish work/life balance and consciously manage stress levels, as busy schedules, caregiving tasks and major life changes all add to stress-related palpitations.
Thyroid issues
Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, speeds up some of the body’s responses, including heart rate. Note that if palpitations occur alongside unexplained weight loss, tremors or sweating, consider testing your thyroid with your doctor.
Certain medications
Asthma inhalers, decongestants, stimulant medications and many more may cause palpitations as a side effect. If symptoms develop, consult your doctor, and always check the side effects on your medication labels or leaflets.
When should you seek medical advice?
Occasional palpitations are not really cause for concern and they usually resolve quickly. However, if they occur frequently and are accompanied by chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or extreme fatigue, definitely seek medical attention as soon as possible.
The bottom line
Many cases of palpitations are annoying but manageable. But it’s important not to dismiss persistent symptoms. A healthcare provider can identify the cause and recommend treatment if needed.
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