Emotional disorders, caffeine, pregnancy… Different factors can promote the occurrence of heart palpitations, i.e. a sensation of irregular heartbeats. Explanations from a cardiologist.
- In a majority of cases, the duration of heart palpitations varies from a few seconds to a few minutes.
- Generally benign, repeated and long heart palpitations can however warn of a heart rhythm disorder.
Heart palpitations are characterized by abnormally irregular heartbeats. They are usually felt in the rib cage, but they can also spread to the throat and neck. Palpitations are sometimes accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling sick, sweating, or anxiety.
“In most cases, heart palpitations are harmless and are not a sign of a serious problem; they can simply follow a physical effort, an emotion or a burst of anxiety. They can however reflect the existence a heart rhythm disorder”specifies Ameli Santé, the Health Insurance platform.
Caffeine, nicotine… What are the factors responsible for heart palpitations?
Several causes can cause heart palpitations. For Doctor Justin Lee, American cardiologist, the overconsumption of caffeine is one of the factors favoring their appearance. This product stimulates the central nervous system. Heart palpitations can therefore occur in a person who consumes caffeine regularly and in high doses.
Like caffeine, the nicotine in a cigarette is a stimulant. This substance can therefore increase the heart rate and cause palpitations.
Intense emotions that cause heart rhythm disturbances
Love causes different sensations in our body, in particular intense palpitations in the chest when we are in the presence of the loved one. However, it is not the only emotion that can be responsible for these abnormal beats. Anger, anxiety, fear, panic or stress can also promote the onset of heart palpitations.
“Often our heart races when we feel strong emotions or feel uncomfortable. It’s our sympathetic nervous system that kicks in to help defend us against what it sees as a threat (…) This activation may cause a racing heart or palpitations for a short time”explained Doctor Justin Lee to Healthessentials. To calm these strong emotions, you can perform breathing, relaxation or meditation exercises.
Irregular heartbeat: pregnancy increases the risks
During pregnancy, the blood volume of the pregnant woman increases in order to support the growth of the fetus. This causes the body to work extra hard to keep the blood circulating, which can trigger heart palpitations. However, it is better to consult your doctor in case of abnormal heartbeats during this period. They may be related to another health problem that can endanger the life of the expectant mother and the fetus.
Heart palpitations are also symptoms of arrhythmia, in other words a heartbeat that is too fast or too slow for an extended period of time. This irregularity poses health risks, as it can lead to stroke or heart failure. “Trips can be due to benign causes that are not cause for concern (…) But if you experience palpitations and your heart rate is high or low, you should see a doctor”warned the cardiologist.