Palpitations are feelings of your heart beating unusually rapidly, fluttering, pounding, or skipping a beat. Heart palpitations are usually harmless and resolve themselves. However, if palpitations become a regular affair, it may indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as abnormal heart rhythm. Most heart palpitations are the fallout of stress, anxiety, exercise, medication, alcohol abuse, etc. It is crucial to ascertain palpitation causes to avoid serious heart conditions, such as irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia), which might require treatment.
What are the Causes of Palpitation?
So, what causes the heart to palpitate? The causes may include emotional changes, medications, lifestyle factors, etc. Other causes can include:
- Depression
- Strenuous exercise
- Usage of stimulants - caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines, cocaine, and cold and cough medications with pseudoephedrine
- Strong emotional reactions, such as stress, anxiety, or panic attacks
- Sometimes, high fever can cause irregular heartbeats
- Given the different hormonal changes in their bodies, females are more prone to heart palpitation. The changes include menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and polycystic ovary disorders
- Too much or too little thyroid: You may experience an irregular heartbeat when you have hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, which usually occurs from changes in the thyroid hormone levels.
Conclusion
There can be a wide range of causes for the heart to palpitate, including stress, anxiety, emotional changes, hormonal changes, thyroid, use of contraband, etc. The doctor looks for the exact cause to provide the appropriate treatment. If you experience palpitations, it is advisable to seek medical attention, as your doctor can guide you in dealing with the condition. Moreover, you should consider securing a health insurance policy if you haven't yet, as it will help you cover treatment costs.