You probably know the importance of heart health. This organ is responsible for pumping blood and nutrients throughout your body. You can sometimes hear or feel your heart as it beats on a regular basis. Your heart rhythm is controlled by your body’s electrical system. But when your system has problems, you may get a change in your heart rhythm also known as arrhythmia.
If you have arrhythmia it doesn’t automatically mean you have heart disease. An irregular heartbeat can occur for many other reasons including:
Not getting enough fluids can quickly contribute to dehydration, which can result in heart palpitations along with dry mouth, dark urine, and muscle cramps. Dehydration can provoke changes in your body’s electrolytes and also reduces your blood pressure.
It also puts stress on the body and leads to an abnormal heartbeat. Fortunately, you can prevent dehydration through regular trips to the water cooler. Your body requires about nine cups of fluid every day to work well and stay healthy.
The primary cause of anemia is a lack of iron in the body. With this condition, your body isn't able to make enough healthy red blood cells to transport adequate oxygen to your tissues.
Though anemia doesn't always provoke heart palpitations, people with the condition might sometimes feel their hearts beating harder. Since you have fewer red blood cells, a faster heartbeat enhances oxygen delivery when you’re anemic. Other hallmarks of anemia include fatigue and hair loss.
Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (the active ingredient in Sudafed) also have stimulating effects. Some people who might be sensitive to these meds can develop heart palpitations.
Over-the-counter drugs are typically safe, but you should talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any conditions. If you have a heart arrhythmia, for example, your doctor might advise against taking certain decongestants.
People who work in construction, as metal workers, or in other industrial settings can be exposed to mercury, cadmium, and other heavy metals on a regular basis. Prolonged exposure can contribute to inflammation, thrombosis, and other heart-related problems. Heavy metal exposure can be directly toxic to the heart muscle.
If you feel as if your heart is racing like hell, you might be experiencing a panic attack. Shaking, sweats, chest pain, and an overwhelming feeling of impending doom are also common symptoms of panic attacks. Although they are not dangerous, they can feel absolutely terrifying. Sometimes you might develop an arrhythmia that’s actually provoking panic attacks.
Lots of prescription meds, including drugs for asthma or thyroid issues, can promote heart palpitations. Some medications can affect how other meds are metabolized, while others provoke changes in the electrical conduction system of the heart. These heartbeat changes aren't normally a cause for alarm, but they can be bothersome.
Always pay attention to the possible side effects listed on the drug information, so you won't freak out if it happens. If your regular medications are affecting your heartbeat day-to-day, talk to your healthcare provider to see if there's a different medication that might work better for you.
Before you start worrying about your arrhythmia, did you just have a big cup of coffee? Caffeine is a stimulant so it’s no surprise that it can stimulate your autonomic nervous system which controls your heart rate and more. But if your heart palpitations become excessive and are accompanied by dizziness or chest pain, it’s best to visit your doctor as soon as possible, even if you think it’s provoked by caffeine.
