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10 Effective Ways to Stop Heart Palpitations Naturally

Writer's picture: Anirban BiswasAnirban Biswas
PALPITATIONS

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

  1. Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress, panic attacks, or anxiety can trigger palpitations.

  2. Caffeine or Nicotine: Excessive consumption of stimulants like coffee, tea, or tobacco.

  3. Exercise: Vigorous physical activity may temporarily cause palpitations.

  4. Medications: Certain drugs, including decongestants and asthma medications.

  5. 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.

  6. 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:

  1. 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.

  2. Hydrate

    • Dehydration can lead to electrolyte imbalances, which can trigger palpitations. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

  3. Magnesium-Rich Foods

    • Magnesium helps regulate heart rhythm. Include foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and legumes in your diet.

  4. Limit Stimulants

    • Avoid caffeine, nicotine, or energy drinks, as they can increase heart rate and trigger palpitations.

  5. Reduce Stress and do regular Exercise

    • Engage in relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation to manage stress and anxiety.

  6. 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.

  7. Herbal Remedies

    • Herbs like valerian root, chamomile, or lavender have calming effects and may help reduce palpitations, particularly those triggered by anxiety.

  8. Adequate Sleep

    • Ensure you are getting enough quality sleep (7-9 hours) as sleep deprivation can increase the likelihood of palpitations.

  9. Avoid Large Meals

    • Overeating can increase the workload on your heart and cause palpitations. Eat smaller, balanced meals throughout the day.

  10. 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

  1. Ashwagandha: Reduces stress and supports heart health.

  2. Hawthorn Berry: Known for improving heart function and reducing palpitations.

  3. Valerian Root: Promotes relaxation and alleviates anxiety-induced palpitations.

  4. Arjuna Bark: Traditional Ayurvedic remedy for heart health.

  5. Lemon Balm: Calms the nervous system and reduces palpitations.

  6. Motherwort: Helps regulate heartbeat and reduces stress.


How to Stop Heart Palpitations quickly

  1. Deep Breathing: Practice slow, deep breaths to reduce stress and restore normal heart rhythm.

  2. Splash Cold Water: Sudden exposure to cold may help reset your heart rate.

  3. 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:

  1. What are heart palpitations?

    Heart palpitations are irregular or unusually rapid heartbeats that may feel like fluttering or pounding in the chest.


  2. What causes heart palpitations?

    Common causes include stress, anxiety, caffeine, hormonal changes, arrhythmias, anemia, and electrolyte imbalances.


  3. How can I stop heart palpitations immediately?

    Deep breathing, staying hydrated, and relaxing can help stop palpitations. If severe, seek medical attention.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. How can I stop heart palpitations from anxiety?

    Relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help stop palpitations caused by anxiety.


  7. What are the symptoms of heart palpitations?

    Symptoms can include a racing heart, fluttering sensation, dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort.


  8. 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.


  9. When should I worry about heart palpitations?

    Seek medical advice if palpitations are frequent, long-lasting, accompanied by chest pain, dizziness, or fainting.


  10. 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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