Possible causes of heart palpitations regardless of stress and caffeine intake

The feelings we have for someone, or the excitement that the situation creates in us. “Makes my heart beat faster” Sounds very sweet to put it into words. But cardiopalmus when it does happen, it can be an extremely disturbing experience. Palpitations, in its most concise definition, is the sensation of an irregular and rapid heartbeat. Often felt in the chest and neck; Sometimes it can be associated with dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath. According to experts, heart palpitations are one of the most common reasons for visiting a cardiologist. The underlying cause is usually benign and symptoms are short-lived. The causes of heart palpitations sometimes include overt triggers such as drinking too much caffeine, stress, and anxiety. Therefore, replacing them may help solve the problem. But if you continue to experience heart palpitations despite changing your habits, you may need to dig deeper. The following are some of the insidious causes that may be behind the palpitations you experience.

Important note: All information and recommendations in this article are based on scientifically sound articles prepared for general informational purposes and do not contain expert advice. The content of the page does not include elements containing information about therapeutic medical care. See your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

1. be dehydrated

Dehydration, or loss of water, causes a decrease in the amount of blood circulating in your body, causing your heart to beat faster to fill the void to pump blood throughout your body, which can lead to heart palpitations. Dehydration can also cause heart palpitations due to electrolyte imbalances in the body. In particular, low levels of potassium or magnesium cause heart palpitations.

To minimize heart palpitations caused by dehydration, make sure you consume enough water and electrolyte-rich foods and drinks every day. (According to the Mayo Clinic, if your urine is light yellow, you’re on the right track.) Adjust your fluid intake as needed, taking into account conditions that can affect hydration levels, such as hot weather, exercise, and Crohn’s disease. .

2. Food intolerance

Food intolerances can also trigger an inflammatory response in the body, causing the heart to race. When the immune system identifies a certain food as a threat, it releases histamine and other inflammatory chemicals that can relax blood vessels and make the heart beat faster and harder. For some people, especially those with low blood sugar, foods high in carbohydrates or sugar can cause palpitations. Other common triggers include high sodium and spicy foods.

By keeping a diary of the foods you consume and associated symptoms for one or two weeks, you can better identify potential culprits. When you experience heart palpitations, you can eliminate the suspicious food from your diet for a while to see how it changes, and then try the process of eliminating and adding again. If your heart palpitations return when you start eating a certain food again, cutting it out of your diet may help relieve your symptoms.

3. Starting a new drug or supplement

Taking medications such as beta-blockers, thyroid medications, and inhalers can also increase your heart rate and cause your heart to palpitate. In fact, experts say this applies to over-the-counter cold remedies, especially those containing decongestants. If your heart palpitations started right after taking the medicine or supplement you just started, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your symptoms to find possible alternatives to what you are taking.

4. Insomnia

Sleep deprivation can cause heart palpitations by affecting the electrical activity of the heart. Lack of sleep can cause levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline to rise, which can disrupt the heart’s normal rhythm and cause it to beat faster or irregularly. It can also increase heart rate, causing changes in blood pressure.

You can try to adjust your sleep habits to prevent heart palpitations caused by lack of sleep. This may include sticking to a sleep schedule, avoiding stimulating activities before bed, and creating a comfortable bedroom environment. To improve your sleep habits, you can also check out our article: Reset and reset your body clock for quality sleep.

If you continue to experience heart palpitations despite all this; Also, if you’re experiencing symptoms such as daytime fatigue, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, and irritability, consider seeing your doctor and getting tested for sleep apnea. Blood oxygen levels can drop due to sleep apnea, which can lead to direct damage to heart cells. As a result, palpitations and heart rhythm disturbances may occur.

5. Low blood sugar

Glucose is the main source of energy for body cells. When blood sugar drops, the body releases adrenaline to raise it, which can cause the heart to beat faster and harder, resulting in an increased heart rate. Low blood sugar can be prevented by eating regularly and evenly throughout the day. But at the same time, make sure that your meals and snacks contain a balance of complex carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Getting help from healthy options is especially important for diabetics who use insulin or other antidiabetic drugs.

6. Hormonal fluctuations

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy or menopause can also cause heart palpitations. For example, an increase in estrogen and progesterone during PMS can cause an increase in heart rate and blood flow, resulting in a feeling of heartbeat in the chest. Rapid heart rate during pregnancy is usually caused by a combination of increased hormone levels, changes in blood volume, and increased stress on the heart. During menopause, the risk of heart palpitations increases as estrogen levels decrease (this hormone is thought to protect heart health by controlling cholesterol levels, among other functions).

If you suspect you are experiencing hormone-related palpitations, be sure to consult with a specialist to determine if any treatment is needed.

7. Iron deficiency

Anemia – a lack of red blood cells in the body – means that the blood cannot carry as much oxygen to the organs and tissues of your body as it used to. In this case, the body sends signals back to the brain, which tells the heart to speed up to get the blood it needs. An increase in heart rate is felt as a heartbeat. Other symptoms of anemia may include fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Because there can be many conditions that contribute to anemia, you should talk to your doctor and do your research to find the right treatment. A common cause of anemia, especially in premenopausal people, is iron deficiency, which can often be taken care of with nutritional supplements. Treating the underlying disease also treats the anemia.

8. Thyroid dysfunction

One of the consequences of hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland) is that it can speed up the heartbeat and even cause abnormal rhythms. Other symptoms may include sudden weight loss, depression, menstrual changes, and fatigue.

Antithyroid drugs prescribed by a doctor can suppress the overproduction of thyroid hormones and help reduce symptoms. Some patients may also need beta-blockers to lower their heart rate. If medications alone are not enough to lower high hormone levels, a doctor may also recommend surgery.

9. Pre-COVID

Certified cardiologist and electrophysiologist from Florida, Dr. Robert S. Fishel “COVID infections can cause myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart muscle. This can lead to various cardiac arrhythmias.” speaks.

According to a study published in the journal Nature Medicine in February 2022, anyone infected with COVID (even a mild form) is at significant risk of developing irreversible heart problems long after recovery.

Experts say treatment for palpitations and abnormal heart rhythms will be tailored to a patient’s specific symptoms, and research needs to be done to find the best treatment.

Situations when you need to see a doctor about heart palpitations

• If the heartbeat you are experiencing is not a random heartbeat, but recurs and lasts more than a few seconds each time, you should see your doctor.
• If your heartbeat is accompanied by symptoms such as severe dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and fainting, you should contact your doctor immediately. The same is true if you have a family history of irregular heart rhythms or if your relative has heart problems.

Important note: All information and recommendations in this article are based on scientifically sound articles prepared for general informational purposes and do not contain expert advice. The content of the page does not include elements containing information about therapeutic medical care. See your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Sources: huffpost, Healthline, WebMD

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