Pounding chest or heart – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Causes:

• Anxiety/Stress: Stress, anxiety, or panic attacks can trigger palpitations.
• Caffeine/Nicotine/Alcohol: Stimulants like caffeine and nicotine, as well as alcohol, can affect heart rhythm.
• Exercise: Palpitations during or after exercise are sometimes normal, but should be discussed with your doctor.
• Dehydration: Dehydration can sometimes lead to palpitations.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as during menstruation or menopause, can sometimes cause palpitations.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as decongestants or asthma inhalers, can have palpitations as a side effect.
• Underlying Heart Conditions: Palpitations can be a symptom of various heart conditions, such as arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms), atrial fibrillation, or heart valve problems.
• Other Medical Conditions: Anemia, thyroid problems, or electrolyte imbalances can sometimes cause palpitations.

Diagnosis:

• Medical History: Detailed information about the palpitations, any other symptoms, and relevant medical history.
• Physical Exam: Listening to the heart with a stethoscope.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): A test that records the electrical activity of the heart.
• Holter Monitor: A portable ECG that records the heart’s activity over a longer period (usually 24-48 hours).
• Event Recorder: A device that you activate when you feel palpitations to record your heart rhythm.
• Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart to assess its structure and function.
• Blood Tests: May be done to check for thyroid problems, anemia, or electrolyte imbalances.

Treatment:

• Lifestyle Changes: Reducing stress, avoiding triggers like caffeine and alcohol, staying hydrated.
• Medications: Depending on the cause, medications may be prescribed to regulate heart rhythm or treat underlying conditions.
• Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other therapies can be helpful for palpitations related to anxiety or stress.
• Procedures: In some cases, procedures like cardioversion (to restore normal heart rhythm) or ablation (to destroy small areas of tissue causing abnormal heart rhythms) may be recommended.

Important Considerations:

• Seek immediate medical attention if palpitations are accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting. These could be signs of a serious heart problem.
• Consult a healthcare professional for frequent or bothersome palpitations, even if you don’t have other symptoms.
• Do not self-treat palpitations without consulting a doctor. Proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.