What causes heart palpitations?
Heart palpitations — also known as heart fluttering or skipping a beat — can come on quickly and disappear suddenly, or occur for long periods on a regular basis. In either case, heart palpitations aren’t something you should ignore, since they could be linked to:
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Overactive thyroid
- Stress or anxiety
- Low potassium
- Heart disease
- Tobacco use
- Dehydration
- Anemia
Pregnant women commonly experience heart palpitations throughout pregnancy, due to changes in hormone levels. Usually, this issue resolves shortly after labor and delivery.
You can also experience heart palpitations if you consume too much alcohol, chocolate, or caffeine. Sometimes, heart palpitations are even caused by your medications, including antibiotics and over-the-counter drugs, particularly diet and cold medications.
When should I see a cardiologist for heart palpitations?
Because heart palpitations could be a sign of something serious, it’s important to come to Just Heart Cardiovascular Group Inc. as soon as your symptoms begin. Dr. Ezeugwu encourages you to schedule an exam right away if you’re experiencing:
- Panic attacks
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Dizziness or fainting (syncope)
- Heart throbbing, pounding, or flip-flopping sensations
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, Dr. Ezeugwu can help. He conducts comprehensive screenings to get to the root of your heart palpitations. He may connect you to a 24-hour Holter monitor as you go about your daily activities, so he can thoroughly diagnose you and talk with you about treatment options.
How are heart palpitations treated?
Treatments for heart palpitations are likely going to include a combination of medical therapies and lifestyle changes. Your heart palpitation treatment plan from Just Heart Cardiovascular Group Inc. may involve :
- Exercise planning
- Dietary counseling
- Smoking cessation
- Weight management
- Deep breathing exercises
- Improving your sleep habits
- Changing your medications
- Drinking more water and limiting caffeine
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol management
Dr. Ezeugwu works diligently to ensure you get your heart palpitations under control, so you won’t have to struggle with symptoms another day.
Before living another day with heart palpitations, schedule an exam at Just Heart Cardiovascular Group Inc. You can conveniently schedule your appointment online or over the phone.
