Your heart works all day without you thinking about it. But when your heart suddenly feels like it is racing, skipping beats, pounding harder, or fluttering, it can be scary. These feelings are called heart palpitations. Most people will feel them at some point in their life. Many are harmless. But some can be a sign that your heart needs medical attention.
Knowing when heart palpitations are normal and when they are a warning can help you protect your heart health and get the right care at the right time.
What Heart Palpitations Feel Like
Heart palpitations can show up in different ways. You may feel:
- A fast heart rate
- A fluttering feeling in your chest
- A pounding heartbeat
- A feeling that your heart skipped a beat
- A flip or movement in the chest
These feelings can last for a few seconds or several minutes. Some happen once. Others come and go throughout the day.
When Heart Palpitations Are Normal
Not all heart palpitations mean something is wrong. Many everyday habits and choices can cause your heart to speed up for a short time. Normal reasons include:
- Stress or Anxiety
Strong emotions can make your heart beat faster. When the stress passes, your heart usually settles down. - Caffeine
Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and soda can trigger heart palpitations because caffeine stimulates your heart. - Exercise
Your heart rate naturally increases when you move your body or work out. - Lack of Sleep
Not resting enough makes your heart work harder and can lead to palpitations. - Hormone Changes
Pregnancy, menopause, or monthly cycles can affect your heart rhythm. - Dehydration
When your body needs more fluids, your heart may beat faster to keep up.
If your heart palpitations go away when the trigger goes away and you feel normal afterward, this is usually not a serious concern.
When Heart Palpitations Are a Warning
Sometimes, heart palpitations are a sign that something is not right with your heart. These warning signs should not be ignored. Seek medical care if your heart palpitations come with:
- Chest Pain
Pain or tightness in the chest can mean your heart is not getting enough blood. - Shortness of Breath
If you struggle to breathe while your heart is racing, your heart may not be pumping well. - Fainting or Feeling Like You May Pass Out
This can be a sign that your heart rhythm is too fast or too slow. - Dizziness or Lightheadedness
A weak or irregular heartbeat can reduce blood flow to the brain. - A Heart Rate That Is Always Fast or Irregular
If your heart does this often, it may need evaluation. - A History of Heart Disease
If you already have a heart condition, new palpitations should be checked. - Palpitations That Last Longer or Happen More Often
Frequent symptoms can mean your heart rhythm is not stable.
These signs can point to conditions like arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, thyroid problems, anemia, or structural heart issues. Getting checked early can protect your heart and prevent more serious problems later.
What Causes Heart Palpitations That Need Care
Some medical causes of concerning heart palpitations include:
- Heart rhythm problems
- Heart valve issues
- Low potassium or magnesium
- An overactive thyroid
- A heart infection
- Anemia
- Heart failure
- Coronary artery disease
A healthcare provider can check your heart with tests like an EKG, bloodwork, or a heart monitor to find the cause and create a treatment plan.
How to Reduce Heart Palpitations
There are simple steps that support your heart health and reduce palpitations:
- Drink enough water
- Limit caffeine and alcohol
- Reduce stress through breathing or light movement
- Get enough sleep
- Avoid nicotine
- Eat heart friendly foods like vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
If your heart palpitations are caused by a health condition, treatment can help control symptoms and keep your heart strong.
Why You Should Not Ignore Heart Symptoms
Your heart is one of the most important organs in your body. Even small changes in how your heart beats can be a sign of something deeper. Early care leads to better results and gives you peace of mind. Listening to your body is the first step in keeping your heart healthy.
Take Control of Your Heart Health Today
If you are feeling heart palpitations and are not sure if they are normal or a warning sign, you do not have to guess. The team at J.C. Healthcare & Associates is here to help you understand your heart, check your symptoms, and guide you toward better heart health.
Your heart deserves proper attention. Schedule your consultation today so we can help you protect your heart, understand your symptoms, and create a care plan that supports your overall health.
Head over to our website to check out our comprehensive list of healthcare services and book your appointment today. Take control of your health, with us by your side, you are never alone in this journey.