What are Heart Palpitations and How to Stop Them? - Sharpened Health | Nutrition | Mindfulness

Unlock the mysteries of heart palpitations with our comprehensive guide. From understanding causes to recognizing seriousness and exploring effective remedies, take proactive steps to safeguard your heart health. Let us navigate you through this common yet often puzzling phenomenon, empowering you to regain control and embrace a rhythmically balanced life.

Table of Content:

What Causes Heart Palpitation?
When Are Heart Palpitations Serious?
Adrenaline-Induced Palpitations
Which Illnesses Cause Heart Palpitations?
How to Stop Heart Palpitations

What are Heart Palpitations?

A healthy heart beats regularly at a rate of 60 to 80 beats per minute, slowing down during sleep (40 to 80 beats per minute). A pulse rate above 100 beats per minute is considered tachycardia by doctors. Heart palpitations, also known as arrhythmias, are perceived as unpleasant and can be felt in the chest or throat. If an accelerated heart rate is triggered by physical exertion, excitement, fear, or nervousness, there is usually no cause for concern. However, if the heart beats irregularly, strongly, and rapidly without an identifiable cause, or if it occurs frequently, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Palpitations often accompany conditions unrelated to the heart, necessitating specialized treatment.

When Are Heart Palpitations Serious?

It is important to record each episode of palpitations, noting its duration, heart rate, and accompanying symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness, pallor, and cold sweats. Recording the circumstances surrounding palpitations can help identify triggers and assist the doctor in diagnosis.

Adrenaline-Induced Arrhythmia

Adrenaline, also known as the stress hormone, increases the force of contraction and the stroke volume of the heart, leading to faster blood pumping. It is responsible for the sensation of the heart pounding in exhilarating, positive, or frightening situations. Sometimes, simply thinking about what we fear, desire, or what bothers us can trigger an adrenaline rush and increase heart rate.

Which Illnesses Cause Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations can occur with conditions such as hyperthyroidism, anemia, low blood glucose levels, and fever. If accompanied by symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, loss of consciousness, high blood pressure, or in individuals with diabetes, coronary artery disease, or high cholesterol, emergency medical assistance should be sought.

How to Stop Heart Palpitations

Proper Breathing: Sit comfortably (preferably near an open window), place both feet flat on the floor, and take slow, deep breaths followed by long exhales.
Drink Cold Water: Drinking cold water slows down heart rate as it flows through the esophagus. Additionally, splashing or moistening the face with very cold water can help.
Herbal Infusions: Herbal teas like aniseed or pumpkin leaf infusion can aid in normalizing heart function and promoting relaxation. Fresh grapes are also beneficial.
Honey Drink: Mix half a glass of warm water with juice from half a lemon and a tablespoon of honey. This drink can positively impact heart contraction. Consume it every morning.
Valsalva Maneuver: Take a deep breath, pinch your nostrils shut, and exhale gently with closed mouth to momentarily increase chest pressure and normalize heart rhythm.
Forced Coughing: Attempt to cough forcefully several times, mimicking the effect of a deep breath.