Should I See a Doctor? When to Worry About Heart Palpitations
Believing that something could be wrong with your heart is a scary feeling. While palpitations are common and usually harmless, they can sometimes be a sign of a more serious condition, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib). Knowing when to worry about heart palpitations can help you catch certain conditions early so that you can seek the appropriate treatment option.
When to Worry About Heart Palpitations
You should contact your doctor if you experience heart palpitations frequently, for longer than a few seconds, or if they are accompanied by:
- Dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
- Chest or upper body pain
- Nausea
- Excessive or unusual sweating
- Shortness of breath
What are Heart Palpitations?
Heart palpitations can be described as a sensation of a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart. They can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck.
Palpitations can be triggered by various factors, including:
- Exercise
- Stress/Anxiety
- Alcohol
- Stimulants (caffeine)
- Nicotine withdrawal
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy
- Low blood sugar
Serious Causes of Heart Palpitations
While most palpitations are not caused by heart-related issues, some can be a sign of a serious type of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) such as atrial fibrillation (AFib) or ventricular tachycardia (VT), or even heart failure. AFib is a common condition that causes the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) to quiver irregularly instead of beating at a regular pace. Untreated, AFib can increase a person’s risk of stroke 5-fold.
Don’t Panic (But Don’t Ignore the Signs, Either)
At the end of the day, most heart palpitations are as harmless as hiccups. If you are otherwise healthy and only experience them from time to time, you have no reason to panic.
However, it’s always in your best interest to notify your doctor about your symptoms. If your palpitations are accompanied by other symptoms, such as dizziness or weakness, it could be a sign of a more serious condition that shouldn’t be ignored.
Still uncertain about when to be concerned about heart palpitations or their possible causes?
At FreedomDoc, our doctors are dedicated to providing personalized care, focusing on preventing and alleviating symptoms related to chronic diseases while enhancing overall quality and longevity of life.
Schedule a complimentary meet-and-greet appointment with one of our compassionate physicians below.
DeAnn Brewer, M.D.
Internal Medicine
FreedomDoc Batesville
(812) 792-2915
295 Winding Way
Batesville, IN 47006
Mo Khan, M.D.
Family Medicine
FreedomDoc at Westfield Premier
(317) 763-2131
15229 Westfield Blvd
Carmel, IN 46032
Ana Boyer, D.O.
Family Medicine
FreedomDoc Zionsville
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Zionsville, IN 46077
Disclaimer: This post is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed medical professional.
