Heart Palpitation Symptoms

When someone experiences heart palpitations, they are keenly aware that something is wrong with the beating of their heart. The symptoms felt during heart palpitations could be the result of immediate physical stimulus or a more serious and chronic condition. Heart palpitations are common when they happen for a short period of time, but longer periods of palpitations should be reported to a physician immediately.

Identification

Heart palpitations are a feeling of an irregular or uncomfortable beating of the heart. It is possible for people with no history of heart conditions to experience palpitations, while others can be at risk due to defects in the heart or abnormal rhythms in the beating of the heart brought by disease or trauma.

A heartbeat that is too slow or too fast is referred to as an arrhythmia. An irregular heart rhythm, or a sequence of heartbeats, is known as a fibrillation.

Effects

The initial physical symptoms of heart palpitations result in the irregular rhythm of the heart and the effect this rhythm has on blood flow to the organs of the body.

People suffering from heart palpitations report a feeling like their heart is fluttering in their chest. Pain and discomfort is experienced, and it is possible to feel as though the heart is skipping beats.

Since this abnormal heart activity affects the flow of blood to the organs, heart palpitations also result in dizziness or even a complete collapse. The person may experience shortness of breath accompanied by pressure in the chest.

Expert Insight

According to the Temple University Health Center, heart palpitations can be extremely uncomfortable, but they are also considered to be common and infrequent bouts with palpitations should not be considered serious. However, prolonged episodes of heart palpitations should be reported to your doctor immediately as they could be the indication of a more serious heart condition.

Considerations

Heart palpitations can be felt in the neck as well as in the chest. The person may experience the fluttering sensation in the throat along with feeling it in the chest.

Palpitations can occur at any time, as you do not need to be active to feel the effects of palpitations. They can also occur whether you are standing, walking, sitting, or even lying down.

Potential

Many temporary heart palpitations are caused by exterior elements. Stress can cause palpitations, along with any feeling of severe emotion.

It is possible that certain medications can cause palpitations as well. If you have been prescribed medication that causes the sensation of heart palpitations, then report this to your doctor immediately.

Over-exerting yourself physically can result in temporary heart palpitations, and ingesting caffeine and other stimulants can also result in the condition.

Temporary heart palpitations are not necessarily a sign that something more serious is wrong. In most cases, temporary palpitations will go away on their own. However, if they persist, see your doctor right away.