We see heart enlargment with a very common cause of palpitations called atrial fibrillation. Patients with a very rapid heart over a long period of time do run a risk of developing enlargement and failure of the heart. The irregularity of the heart rhythm per se usually does no damage to the heart itself. What are the health risks of experiencing heart palpitations? If a patient has known heart disease such as a previous myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure (CHF), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and others, the symptoms of palpitations will require a thorough evaluation. In general, the more serious the symptoms, such as lightheadedness, loss of consciousness, chest pain, shortness of breath, the more seriously one needs to take the problem. That usually indicates that the irregularity of the heart rhythm is significant and may signal the need for a more comprehensive evaluation. Heart palpitations can certainly be associated with shortness of breath, that is, the two symptoms together without a serious condition being present. Could heart palpitations accompanied by shortness of breath be serious? Some patients may require invasive studies if a serious heart condition is suspected to underlie the symptom of palpitations. That type of evaluation might well involve an ultrasound of the heart, a treadmill test, more sophisticated blood tests including thyroid tests, and an ambulatory EKG or Holter monitor. If the patient's symptoms are more severe, such as significant lightheadedness or loss of consciousness associated with palpitations, a more comprehensive evaluation is warranted. Diagnosing heart palpitations with severe symptoms In most cases, palpitations have a very benign origin, and nothing more than a thorough history and physical examination, an ECG, and perhaps some basic blood lab work is needed. In terms of laboratory studies, those will be determined by the overall condition and the findings of the physical exam. This is followed by a thorough physical examination focusing on the heart and lungs. The evaluation usually starts like any other complaint, with a good history focused on things like the types of food, beverages, and over-the-counter medications. How does the physician evaluate palpitations? Some over-the-counter medications such as cold and allergy remedies that contain decongestants (pseudoephedrine) often can precipitate palpitations.įrequently, palpitations occur without any obvious precipitating factor, although fatigue, stress, and lack of sleep also cause palpitations to occur or worsen. Some patients complain of palpitations when they eat too much chocolate, and some patients respond with palpitations around the holiday when they tend to drink too much alcohol. Frequently reducing or eliminating beverages that contain caffeine such as coffee or soda can improve palpitations. Some people are sensitive to any amount of stimulant, but we began to see more caffeine-related palpitations when espresso-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes became popular in the 1990s. Can something I eat or drink cause heart palpitations?Ī common substance associated with palpitations is caffeine. Occasionally palpitations can be perceived in unusual ways including a general sense of uneasiness, and, rarely, palpitations are associated with lightheadedness or even loss of consciousness. A perception of irregularity of the pulse, an uneasiness in the chest, a flip-flopping in the chest frequently people describe their palpitations as "my heart stops." Certainly a feeling of strong pulse throughout the chest, head, and neck could well be described as a palpitation.
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