Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Causes of palpitations, from stress, caffeine and anaemia to thyroid and heart rhythm problems.
Palpitations are the awareness of your own heartbeat. It may feel like pounding, fluttering, racing or a skipped beat. They are common, and most of the time they are harmless, but they can sometimes signal a heart rhythm problem.
Common non-heart causes
Heart-related causes
Ayurvedic view
Ayurveda connects palpitations with Hridaya and Vata or Pitta disturbance, often with stress, irregular routine and poor sleep. This is an interpretive framework and does not replace an ECG or heart check.
See a doctor if palpitations are frequent, last more than a few minutes, or occur with a heart condition or family history of sudden cardiac death.
When to get help
See a doctor if palpitations are new, frequent, last more than a few minutes, or come with dizziness, chest discomfort or breathlessness. An ECG, simple blood tests and a heart rhythm monitor can usually find the cause. Call 112 for chest pain, fainting or severe breathlessness.
Remember
Most causes are harmless, but a simple ECG helps tell the difference.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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Home steps for palpitations: slow breathing, fluids, avoiding triggers, and emergency signs.
Diet for palpitations: less caffeine, regular meals, potassium and magnesium foods.
Ayurvedic view of palpitations as Hritspandana, traditional approaches and herb cautions.
How palpitations feel, other symptoms, and warning signs that need emergency care.
Medicines for palpitations: treating the cause, beta-blockers, rhythm drugs and ablation.
How palpitations are investigated and treated, from trigger control to medicines and ablation.
