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Never Ignore These Causes Of Palpitation

Do you know what is a palpitation? When you can hear your own heart beating wildly, it means that you are having palpitations. This could mean that either your heart rate is very high or its uneven. While palpitations are rarely common, it can be dangerous in terms of consequences. That is why it is vitally important to determine the cause of palpitations.

The causes of palpitations are several and varied. The cause of palpitations can be something as simple as hormonal changes to an impending heart attack. That is why we must tread with caution and ensure that we do not brush off high heart rate as a minor problem. Palpitations can happen when you partake on certain medications or foods. The cause of palpitations is also some specific medical conditions like thyroid or high fever.

In women, palpitations is normally a cause of some hormonal change. Women get palpitations during menopause and also during pregnancy. But for men, it mostly indicates high blood pressure and other symptoms of an unhealthy heart.

These are some of the main causes of palpitations. Take a look to determine why your heart rate is high.

High blood pressure

High blood pressure

High blood pressure is one of the first signs of heart diseases. It could also indicate that you have a blockage in your heart or arteries that is making the blood pulsate so unevenly.

Anaemia

Anaemia

When people have low haemoglobin count, they usually experience palpitations. This happens because of panic attacks and also fatigue which are common symptoms of anaemia.

Physical activity

Physical activity

When you have just done some rigorous physical activity then your heart has to work overtime. This makes the heart pump very hard and therefore you experience palpitations. This is very natural and there is nothing to worry about this cause of palpitations.

Menopause

Menopause

Menopause causes massive hormonal changes in a woman's body. Along with hot flashes, mood swings and depression, palpitations is also a symptom of menopause. All you can do is monitor your heart health and wait for the palpitations to subside with time.

Smoking

Smoking

Smoking or taking nicotine in any form raises your heart rate immediately. Sometimes, chronic palpitations is a symptom that chain smokers need to watch out for.

Stress

Stress

When you are stressed or having an anxiety attack, you are bound to have palpitations. Do not ignore this cause of palpitations, it can kill you in due course of time. Stress management is a must in today's hectic lifestyle.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy

A slight rise in blood pressure is always associated with a pregnancy. Besides it also causes a massive hormonal upheaval in the body. Thus, palpitations are common during pregnancy.

Caffeine Intake

Caffeine Intake

Caffeine makes your heart rate rise instantly. So, people with heart diseases or high blood pressure are advised to avoid caffeinated beverages.

Thyroid Malfunction

Thyroid Malfunction

When your thyroid hormone is high or low, it will be reflected in your blood pressure. Palpitations coupled with other symptoms lead you to the diagnosis that your thyroid gland is malfunctioning.

Medications

Medications

Certain medications like asthalin and diet pills can cause your heart rate to become uneven. That is why you should not take these pills over a prolonged period of time.

Dehydration

Dehydration

When your body is dehydrated, the volume of water in the blood reduces. This sends the body into panic mode and your heart starts pumping faster. Drink water mixed with essential electrolytes immediately to hydrate yourself.

Heart Diseases

Heart Diseases

Palpitations are one of the main symptoms of major coronary diseases like blockages, slow heart rate and cardiac arrest. Pay attention to your heart health and get yourself checked regularly.

Story first published: Tuesday, April 16, 2013, 19:20 [IST]
Read more about: wellness health