WHEN YOUR HEART RACES, POUNDS OR SKIPS A BEAT, ALSO KNOWN AS HEART PALPITATIONS, IT’S IMPORTANT TO KNOW WHEN SOMETHING SERIOUS MIGHT BE HAPPENING.
Heart palpitations are usually not serious—most are caused by a temporary disruption to the heart’s normal rhythm and can be triggered by dehydration, low blood sugar or too much caffeine. They may also occur when feeling anxious or stressed, but the fluttering usually fades. Such palpitations can be felt in your chest, throat or neck, and sometimes they require a more careful examination.
“Heart palpitations may feel harmless at first, and usually they are,” said Robert Miles Jr., MD, FACC, cardiologist at Cardiovascular Consultants of South Georgia LLC. “However, they can also be a sign that something serious is happening. If you notice a fluttering feeling in your chest, it is worth having it checked out by a cardiologist. We can run a variety of tests to investigate, determine the cause of your palpitations and treat accordingly.”
WHEN PALPITATIONS POINT TO TROUBLE: In other cases, prolonged palpitations are a symptom of an irregular heart rhythm that can be dangerous, such as certain arrhythmias. A persistent heart arrhythmia suggests the heart isn’t performing as it should. The most common type of arrhythmia, called atrial fibrillation, can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke and heart failure. Serious symptoms to be aware of include:
» Chest pain or pressure
» Dizziness or lightheadedness
» Fainting or near-fainting spells
» Fatigue or weakness
» Rapid heartbeat or pounding in the chest
» Shortness of breath
If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, seek medical attention right away. Experiencing heart palpitations? Call 229.458.3650 to schedule an appointment at Cardiovascular Consultants of South Georgia LLC.
STILL YOUR IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT: While not all cases of irregular heartbeat are preventable, you can avoid some instances of heart arrhythmia by avoiding certain food, drink and medications. The following substances can contribute to an irregular heartbeat:
» Alcohol &/or Tobacco
» Antiarrhythmic medications
» Beta-blockers for high blood pressure
» Caffeine » Cold and cough medications
» Diet pills
» Psychotropic medications used to treat certain mental illnesses