
Heart palpitations are the sensation of feeling your heart racing, fluttering, or skipping a beat. They can be alarming, but they are not always a sign of a serious medical condition. Today we present to you a case study and common causes of heart palpitations and how to cure them naturally.
Case Study:
Patient Background:
Sobha Kulkarni (name changed), a 39-year-old female, experienced persistent heart palpitations for months. Despite being diagnosed with hypothyroidism, she had not been taking her prescribed medications, leading to worsening symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, and palpitations.
Consultation :
Sobha consulted Dr. Anirban Biswas, a renowned cardiologist, for her condition. Dr. Biswas performed a thorough evaluation, including an ECG, 2D Echo, 24 hours Holter monitoring and thyroid function tests, which confirmed that her palpitations were linked to untreated hypothyroidism.
Treatment:
Dr. Biswas prescribed thyroid hormone replacement therapy and emphasized the importance of adherence to medication. Additionally, he recommended lifestyle changes such as reducing caffeine intake, practicing yoga, and ensuring a balanced diet. For immediate relief, he suggested incorporating propanolol tablet along with magnesium supplements to manage stress and improve heart health.
Outcome:
Within three months of following Dr. Biswas’s advice, Sobha reported a significant reduction in palpitations and improved overall well-being. Her thyroid levels normalized, and she adopted a healthier lifestyle, including regular exercise and meditation.
Now , let us focus on other causes of Heart palpitations , and its treatment using medications and naturally .
What Are Heart Palpitations?
Heart palpitations refer to an unusual awareness of the heartbeat, which may feel fast, irregular, or pounding. Although often harmless, persistent or severe palpitations may indicate an underlying condition.
Table 1: Meaning of Palpitation in Major Indian Languages
Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
Hindi | शीघ्रद गति | Sheeghra Gati |
Tamil | காதி அழுத்து | Kaati Azuththu |
Malayalam | വേഗ വേഗി | Vēga Vēgi |
Bengali | ঘনি তীব্র | Ghoni Tīvra |
Telugu | మనం గతి | Manam Gati |
Kannada | ಜೀವ ಜಲಪಿ | Jīva Jalapi |
Marathi | हार्ची गती | Hārchī Gatī |
Causes of Palpitations
Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress, panic attacks, or anxiety can trigger palpitations.
Caffeine or Nicotine: Excessive consumption of stimulants like coffee, tea, or tobacco.
Exercise: Vigorous physical activity may temporarily cause palpitations.
Medications: Certain drugs, including decongestants and asthma medications.
Underlying Medical Conditions:
A. Thyroid disorders: both Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism can cause palpitations.
B. Anemia.
C. Arrhythmias: Atrial fibrillation (AFib), Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), Premature atrial or ventricular contractions (PACs/PVCs).
D. Heart Diseases: Valvular heart disease (e.g., mitral valve prolapse), Cardiomyopathy (e.g., hypertrophic or dilated), Heart failure, Myocardial infarction (heart attack), Coronary artery disease (CAD).
E. Electrolyte abnormalities : Hypo/ hyperkalemia, Hypo/hypernatremia, Hypo/hypercalcemia and low or high Magnesium levels.
Dietary Factors: Spicy food, dehydration, or low blood sugar levels.
Table 2. Diagnostic tests for Palpitations:
Test | Purpose |
Electrocardiogram (ECG) | Detects arrhythmias and heart abnormalities |
Holter Monitor | Monitors heart activity over 24-48 hours |
Echocardiogram | Assesses heart structure and function |
Stress Test | Evaluates heart function during exercise |
Blood Tests | Checks for electrolyte imbalances, thyroid issues, anemia |
Chest X-ray | Assesses lung and heart size |
These tests help diagnose the underlying cause of palpitations. Always consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation.
When to Worry About Heart Palpitations
While occasional palpitations are usually benign, seek medical attention if you experience:
Chest pain or discomfort.
Dizziness or fainting.
Shortness of breath.
Palpitations lasting more than three days or occurring frequently.
Palpitations with a normal ECG but other symptoms persist.
Table 3 . Common Medications used to treat Palpitations:
Medication | Class | Dose (Typical) | Notes |
Metoprolol | Beta-blocker | 25–100 mg once or twice daily | Slows heart rate, controls anxiety-induced palpitations. |
Propranolol | Beta-blocker | 10–40 mg three times daily | Effective for stress-induced palpitations. |
Verapamil | Calcium channel blocker | 80–120 mg three times daily | Reduces heart rate in arrhythmias. |
Diltiazem | Calcium channel blocker | 120–360 mg once daily | Helps in rate control for palpitations. |
Flecainide | Antiarrhythmic | 50–100 mg twice daily | For specific arrhythmias like AFib or SVT. |
Propafenone | Antiarrhythmic | 150–300 mg every 8 hours | Used for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation or SVT. |
Amiodarone | Antiarrhythmic | 200–400 mg daily | Used for serious rhythm disorders. |
Ivabradine | Heart rate modulator | 2.5–7.5 mg twice daily | Targets heart rate without affecting blood pressure. |
Aspirin (low-dose) | Antiplatelet | 75–100 mg daily | For palpitations with cardiovascular risks. |
Clonazepam | Benzodiazepine | 0.25–1 mg once daily | For anxiety-related palpitations. |
Magnesium supplements | Electrolyte supplement | 200–400 mg daily | Helps in cases of low magnesium-induced palpitations. |
Notes:
Always consult a doctor before taking these medicines. Dosages depend on individual conditions and medical history.
These medications treat underlying causes like anxiety, arrhythmias, or electrolyte imbalances rather than just symptoms.
10 Natural Methods to stop Palpitations
Here are 10 effective ways to help stop heart palpitations naturally:
Deep Breathing Exercises
Practice slow, deep breaths (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4) to help relax your body and reduce palpitations caused by stress or anxiety.
Hydrate
Dehydration can lead to electrolyte imbalances, which can trigger palpitations. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Magnesium-Rich Foods
Magnesium helps regulate heart rhythm. Include foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and legumes in your diet.
Limit Stimulants
Avoid caffeine, nicotine, or energy drinks, as they can increase heart rate and trigger palpitations.
Reduce Stress and do regular Exercise
Engage in relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation to manage stress and anxiety.
Balance Electrolytes
Ensure you have balanced levels of potassium, calcium, and magnesium through food or supplements, as imbalances can lead to palpitations. Incorporate potassium-rich foods like bananas and avocados.
Herbal Remedies
Herbs like valerian root, chamomile, or lavender have calming effects and may help reduce palpitations, particularly those triggered by anxiety.
Adequate Sleep
Ensure you are getting enough quality sleep (7-9 hours) as sleep deprivation can increase the likelihood of palpitations.
Avoid Large Meals
Overeating can increase the workload on your heart and cause palpitations. Eat smaller, balanced meals throughout the day.
Practice the Valsalva Maneuver
This involves taking a deep breath, holding it, and bearing down (like you're trying to have a bowel movement). It can help reset the heart’s rhythm in cases of mild arrhythmia.
Always consult a healthcare provider to rule out underlying health conditions or discuss persistent palpitations.
6 Herbal Remedies to Stop Heart Palpitations
Ashwagandha: Reduces stress and supports heart health.
Hawthorn Berry: Known for improving heart function and reducing palpitations.
Valerian Root: Promotes relaxation and alleviates anxiety-induced palpitations.
Arjuna Bark: Traditional Ayurvedic remedy for heart health.
Lemon Balm: Calms the nervous system and reduces palpitations.
Motherwort: Helps regulate heartbeat and reduces stress.
How to Stop Heart Palpitations quickly
Deep Breathing: Practice slow, deep breaths to reduce stress and restore normal heart rhythm.
Splash Cold Water: Sudden exposure to cold may help reset your heart rate.
Vagal Maneuvers: Coughing or bearing down as if having a bowel movement can stimulate the vagus nerve.
Conclusion
Heart palpitations can be unsettling, but most cases are harmless and manageable with lifestyle changes and herbal remedies. However, persistent or severe symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Incorporating calming practices and natural herbs can significantly improve heart health and reduce the occurrence of palpitations.
FAQs on Palpitation:
What are heart palpitations?
Heart palpitations are irregular or unusually rapid heartbeats that may feel like fluttering or pounding in the chest.
What causes heart palpitations?
Common causes include stress, anxiety, caffeine, hormonal changes, arrhythmias, anemia, and electrolyte imbalances.
How can I stop heart palpitations immediately?
Deep breathing, staying hydrated, and relaxing can help stop palpitations. If severe, seek medical attention.
What does it mean if I have heart palpitations but a normal ECG?
Normal ECG or Holter results may indicate that palpitations are caused by benign factors like stress or anxiety, not underlying heart disease.
Are heart palpitations a sign of a serious problem?
While most palpitations are harmless, frequent or prolonged episodes should be evaluated to rule out heart conditions.
How can I stop heart palpitations from anxiety?
Relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help stop palpitations caused by anxiety.
What are the symptoms of heart palpitations?
Symptoms can include a racing heart, fluttering sensation, dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort.
What is the definition of palpitations?
Palpitations refer to the feeling of an irregular, rapid, or pounding heartbeat that may be noticeable in the chest, neck, or throat.
When should I worry about heart palpitations?
Seek medical advice if palpitations are frequent, long-lasting, accompanied by chest pain, dizziness, or fainting.
What is the treatment for palpitations?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause, including stress management, lifestyle changes, or medication to address arrhythmias or heart conditions.
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