Your Trusted PalpitationsTreatment and Prevention Experts In South Dakota
What are Palpitations
Almost all adults throughout the course of a lifetime experience palpitations. They are extremely common and can be triggered by stress, lack of sleep, nicotine, caffeine, drugs, alcohol, or medications. Rarely, an abnormal medical problem or disease can cause palpitations.
For many patients, heart palpitations can be worrisome and cause significant concern. In most cases, however, palpitations are harmless and not cause for alarm. Rarely, if palpitations last for a significant period of time or become more frequent, they may require treatment.
Symptoms of Palpitations
Heart palpitations may occur at rest or with exercise and are often described as:
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Skipping beats
- Flip-flopping sensation in the chest
- Pounding or fluttering
Causes of Palpitations
In most cases, the exact cause of palpitations cannot be determined. In rare cases, palpitations can be caused by abnormal heart rhythms including abnormally fast or slow heart rhythm abnormalities. The most common causes include the following:
Pain, stress, or anxiety
Panic or depression
Intense physical exercise
Excessive nicotine, caffeine, stimulants
Cough or cold medicine
Fever
Abnormal thyroid function
Changes in hormone levels
In rare cases, palpitations can be caused by abnormal heart rhythms including abnormally fast or slow heart rhythm abnormalities.
Self-Care Measures For Palpitations
Self Care Measures: Most patients with palpitations can take measures to reduce or eliminate symptoms without seeking medical treatment.
Yoga, meditation, exercise and other relaxation techniques can help.
Avoid stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine, decongestants, and energy drinks.
Avoid illicit substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and other stimulants.
Experienced Care for Palpitations Symptoms in the Black Hills
If you have palpitations please seek medical attention by calling Black Hills Heart and Vascular at (605) 503-8192 if you have or experience one or more of the following conditions:
- Family history of heart rhythm disorder
- Family history of early cardiac death, or unexplained death at young age
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Cardiac arrest
- New or severe shortness of breath
- New or severe lower extremity swelling.
- Stroke
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Severe dizziness
