Experiencing Palpitations? Some Possible Causes Might Be…

• Stress and anxiety

  Emotional stress, anxiety, and panic attacks are common causes of palpitations. The "fight-or-flight" response can lead to an increase in heart rate, causing one to feel “racing” or “pounding” heart sensations. Sometimes, it is associated with chest pain or tightness mimicking a heart attack. In a severe case of panic attack, one may feel a sense of doom or impending death that cause one to unnecessarily rush to the emergency room.

• Stimulants

  Consuming excessive amounts of caffeine, alcohol or using stimulants like nicotine, cannabis or cocaine can trigger palpitations. These symptoms can also be side effects of medications, such as certain asthma inhalers (ProAir), decongestants (Sudafed), and weight loss medications (Welbutrin). Illicit drugs like cocaine and amphetamines can also trigger palpitations and heart attacks.

• Thyroid disorders

  Both an over-active thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and an under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism) can affect heart rate and rhythm. In particular, an over-active thyroid can cause a dangerous rhythm called atrial fibrillation.

• Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)

  Acid reflux can irritate the esophagus (eating tube) and disturb the nerves regulating the heart rhythm which leads to palpitations.

• Long COVID

  Many people who suffer from long Covid have palpitations several months after recovering from the initial infection. Some of these symptoms include the heart racing out of control at rest or with minimal exertion.

• Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)

  Symptoms of palpitations and dizziness that occur when assuming a upright position. This condition can occur commonly with long Covid.

• Heart Arrhythmia

• Some people are born with an abnormal electrical circuit of the heart. Some of these cases include supraventricular reentry tachycardia, Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome, Brugada syndrome and idiopathic ventricular tachycardia. These left-threatening conditions that require rapid diagnosis with a heart monitor and medical treatment.

• Underlying structural heart disease

  Palpitations can be due to a variety of underlying structural heart problems such as a weak heart muscle (cardiomyopathy), abnormal heart valves (mitral stenosis). These conditions need medical evaluation with heart monitor and ultrasound of the heart (echocardiogram).

• Atrial fibrillation

  The most common cause of abnormal heart rhythm, commonly found in older adults with long-standing high blood pressure, particular when it is not well-controlled. This condition increases the risk of stroke and needs to be treated with blood thinner for prevention.