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Pounding chest or heart – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Pounding chest or heart – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

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Pounding chest or heart – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
Home / Pounding chest or heart – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Pounding chest or heart – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment at Emirates Hospital Group

A pounding sensation in the chest or heart, also known as heart palpitations, can be a frightening experience. While sometimes harmless, it’s important to understand the potential causes, diagnosis, and treatment options. These sensations can be unsettling and may disrupt daily activities.

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.

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