A doctor using a stethoscope to listen to a woman's heart.
That unsettling feeling of your heart skipping a beat, fluttering, or pounding can be alarming. Medically known as heart palpitations, these sensations are often harmless but can sometimes signal an underlying health issue. This article explores the common causes of heart palpitations and explains when you should seek medical attention.
Understanding the Sensation of a Skipped Heartbeat
A normal heartbeat follows a regular rhythm. Heart palpitations occur when this rhythm is disrupted, often by an extra beat. This extra beat, known as a premature contraction, can feel like a pause or a skipped beat because it often doesn’t produce a noticeable pulse. Dr. Andrew Zadeh, a cardiologist at Keck Medicine of USC, explains that “the ‘skip’ is the ‘pulseless’ time it takes for the next beat or pulse to come in.”
Five Common Causes of Heart Palpitations
While occasional palpitations are usually benign, frequent or persistent occurrences warrant investigation. Here are five common reasons why you might feel like your heart is skipping a beat:
1. Stress and Anxiety
Emotional states like stress and anxiety can trigger the release of adrenaline, a hormone that can increase heart rate and cause palpitations. This can create a vicious cycle, as the palpitations themselves can lead to further anxiety. Managing stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation can often reduce these episodes.
2. Caffeine, Alcohol, Nicotine, and Medications
Certain substances can disrupt your heart’s rhythm. Caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and some over-the-counter and prescription medications can all trigger palpitations. Dr. Zadeh emphasizes the importance of “identifying what lifestyle factors influence your symptoms… and then trying to avoid or reduce them.”
3. Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib)
Atrial fibrillation, or A-fib, is the most common medical cause of heart palpitations. This condition occurs when the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly and rapidly, leading to a quivering or fluttering sensation. Risk factors for A-fib include older age, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. A-fib requires medical treatment to reduce the risk of stroke.
4. Heart Disease
Various heart conditions, such as mitral valve prolapse, cardiomyopathy, and coronary artery disease, can cause heart rhythm abnormalities and palpitations. Dr. Zadeh notes that these conditions “can easily be evaluated through a series of tests including electrocardiogram, echocardiogram or stress testing.”
5. Hyperthyroidism
An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) produces excess thyroid hormone, which can accelerate metabolism and lead to a rapid heart rate and palpitations. Fortunately, hyperthyroidism is easily diagnosed with a simple blood test and treatable with medication.
When to See a Doctor
While most heart palpitations are harmless, it’s crucial to seek medical advice if you experience:
- Frequent or persistent palpitations
- Palpitations accompanied by dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath
- A family history of heart problems
A cardiologist can conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your palpitations and recommend appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
The sensation of a skipped heartbeat can be unsettling, but in many cases, it’s not a cause for serious concern. Understanding the common triggers and underlying medical conditions associated with heart palpitations can help you manage your symptoms and seek appropriate medical attention when necessary. If you’re concerned about your heart health, consult with a cardiologist for a comprehensive evaluation.
