Do you ever feel like your heart skips a beat, flutters, or pounds unexpectedly? This sensation, known as heart palpitations, can be concerning. While often harmless, understanding the underlying causes is crucial. This article explores five common reasons why your heart might be skipping beats and when to seek medical attention.
A doctor holds a stethoscope to a woman’s chest
Heart palpitations describe the feeling of a racing, fluttering, or pounding heart. They can feel like your heart is skipping a beat or beating irregularly. According to Dr. Andrew Zadeh, a cardiologist at Keck Medicine of USC, a skipped heartbeat is often an interruption of your regular heart rhythm. This disruption can be unsettling, but it’s usually not a cause for serious concern.
Common Causes of Skipped Heartbeats
Several factors can contribute to heart palpitations. Here are five of the most common causes:
1. Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are leading culprits of heart palpitations. When you’re stressed or anxious, your body releases adrenaline, a hormone that can increase your heart rate and trigger palpitations. This can create a vicious cycle, where palpitations lead to more anxiety and stress. Managing stress through relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can help reduce palpitations.
2. Caffeine, Alcohol, Nicotine, and Medications
Certain substances can also disrupt your heart rhythm. Caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and some medications (both over-the-counter and prescription) can trigger palpitations. Dr. Zadeh notes that identifying and reducing these triggers can significantly lessen the frequency of symptoms. Even common medications like decongestants and diet pills can be contributing factors.
3. Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib)
Atrial fibrillation (A-fib) is the most common medical cause of heart palpitations. This condition occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat irregularly and out of sync with the lower chambers (ventricles). A-fib can lead to symptoms like lightheadedness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain. It’s crucial to seek treatment for A-fib as it increases the risk of stroke. Risk factors for A-fib include older age, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.
4. Heart Disease
Underlying heart conditions can also cause palpitations. Conditions like mitral valve prolapse (a common structural heart problem), cardiomyopathy (diseases of the heart muscle), and coronary heart disease (narrowing of the arteries) can disrupt the heart’s rhythm. Dr. Zadeh recommends tests like electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and stress tests to evaluate for heart disease.
5. Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism)
An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) releases excessive thyroid hormone, which can speed up your metabolism and cause a rapid heart rate and palpitations. Fortunately, hyperthyroidism can be easily diagnosed with a simple blood test and treated with medication.
When to See a Doctor
While most heart palpitations are benign, it’s important to consult a doctor if you experience frequent or concerning palpitations. A cardiologist can evaluate your symptoms, conduct necessary tests, and determine if an underlying medical condition is causing your skipped heartbeats. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing any potential heart-related issues. Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if you’re worried about your heart health.
