What are common causes of heart palpitations?

As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can provide you with a detailed explanation of the common causes of heart palpitations. Palpitations are sensations where a person feels their heart beating, fluttering, or pounding in their chest. Here are some of the most common causes: 1. Strong emotional responses, such as stress, anxiety, or panic attacks, can trigger heart palpitations by increasing the body's production of adrenaline. 2. Depression can also lead to palpitations, as it can affect the autonomic nervous system, which controls heart rate. 3. Strenuous exercise can cause an increase in heart rate and palpitations, especially if the exercise is intense or prolonged. 4. Stimulants, including caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines, and certain medications like cold and cough medicines containing pseudoephedrine, can all lead to heart palpitations due to their effects on the heart and circulatory system. 5. Fever can increase the body's metabolic rate, which may result in a faster heart rate and palpitations. 6. Hormone changes associated with menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can influence heart rate and potentially cause palpitations. Other factors that can contribute to heart palpitations include: - Excessive alcohol intake, which can irritate the heart muscle and cause an irregular heartbeat. - Certain medications, such as some asthma medications, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs, can have heart palpitations as a side effect. - Underlying heart conditions, like mitral valve prolapse, heart failure, or heart rhythm disorders, can cause palpitations. - Electrolyte imbalances, particularly low levels of potassium, sodium, or magnesium, can affect heart function and lead to palpitations. - Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism, can increase the heart rate and cause palpitations. It's important to note that while many cases of heart palpitations are not serious and may be due to lifestyle factors, they can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires attention. If palpitations are frequent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional.

Common causes include:Strong emotional responses, such as stress, anxiety or panic attacks.Depression.Strenuous exercise.Stimulants, including caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines, and cold and cough medications that contain pseudoephedrine.Fever.Hormone changes associated with menstruation, pregnancy or menopause.More items...