Palpitations

Heart palpitations, the feeling that the heart has skipped a beat, are not usually dangerous. Most people have them from time to time. When your heart beats normally, its two upper chambers contract. Then the two lower chambers contract. The two-thump heartbeat sound is the sound of the heart valves closing when the chambers contract .

Causes

The most common harmless palpitations are often caused by alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, anxiety, and stress. Some medications may cause palpitations. If you experience palpitations after starting a medication, talk to your doctor. Palpitations are the sensation caused by a heart rhythm disturbance known as an arrhythmia. Arrhythmias vary from feeling that the heart has skipped a beat to feeling that the heart is racing and fluttering. Arrhythmias can be serious. If you experience palpitations with a change in heart rate, dizziness, shortness of breath, or sweating, call 911.

Self-Care Steps for Palpitations

• Stop using nicotine.

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

• Increase activity. Warm up slowly and cool down at the end of your activity. Always check with your doctor before increasing your activity level.

• Find ways to reduce stress and anxiety.