Heart Palpitations: What They Are and the Possible Causes

While heart palpitations can feel scary at times, they aren’t a sign of any significant problems with your heart. They often go away on their own. However, they can sometimes be caused by an abnormal rhythm that needs medical attention. A cardiologist in Camp Springs can perform comprehensive tests and determine whether your palpitations are harmless or a symptom of an underlying condition.

In this article, we’ll talk about heart palpitations in greater detail to help you understand what they are and their common causes. If you’re looking for a heart doctor, get in touch with Southern Maryland Medical Group.

Possible Causes of Heart Palpitations

• Strenuous Exercise

This is one of the most common causes of heart palpitations. If you work out regularly, you’ve probably experienced this condition a couple of times. During intense physical activity, your heart naturally beats faster. This can sometimes feel like palpitations.

• Lack Of Sleep

Stress hormones like cortisol put extra strain on your heart when you’re sleep deprived. Fatigue also disrupts your nervous system and makes irregular heartbeats more noticeable. You should get quality sleep to regulate your heartbeat and cardiovascular health.

• Stress And Anxiety

Anxiety and panic attacks manifest as palpitations. You can manage stress through techniques like deep breathing or meditation.

• Medicines

Certain medications, including decongestants, asthma inhalers, and thyroid drugs, can induce palpitations. These drugs are known to stimulate the heart or interfere with its electrical activity. It’s a good idea to always review medication side effects with your heart doctor and ask for recommendations.

• Hormonal Changes

Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can cause palpitations. These episodes are usually temporary and harmless, but if they become frequent or severe, reach out to a nearby heart doctor.

• Medical Conditions Like Thyroid Disease

An overactive or underactive thyroid can impact heart rate and rhythm. Hyperthyroidism speeds up metabolism and causes a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, can slow the heart rate but still trigger occasional palpitations. If you suspect thyroid issues, schedule a consultation with a heart doctor. A specialist can run tests and recommend treatments to balance hormone levels and reduce palpitations.

• Low Blood Pressure

Low blood pressure comes with a wide range of health risks, including palpitations. When blood pressure drops too low, the heart compensates by beating faster to maintain circulation. Low blood pressure may result from dehydration, certain medications, or medical conditions. Symptoms like dizziness, fainting, and fatigue may accompany palpitations in these cases. It’s important to address this problem to avoid the complications that may arise.

• Extreme Fatigue

Exhaustion weakens the body and throws normal heart function off balance, sometimes causing palpitations. When you're overly tired, your nervous system will struggle to regulate heart rate. It’s important to take a rest whenever you feel exhausted in order to replenish your energy and maintain optimal heart health.

Looking For a Cardiologist? Reach Out To Southern Maryland Medical Group

Southern Maryland Medical Group is the name you can trust when you need professional cardiac care. Whether you’ve been experiencing persistent heart palpitations or suffering from other heart-related conditions, our team has the knowledge and experience to provide high-quality cardiac care. Our team comprises of board-certified cardiologists, advanced care providers, and healthcare professionals who are committed to delivering personalized, patient-centered care. Contact us today to book a convenient appointment with our cardiologists.