{"id":27261,"date":"2025-07-18T19:46:15","date_gmt":"2025-07-18T19:46:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/?p=17991"},"modified":"2025-08-18T18:13:19","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T18:13:19","slug":"causes-of-palpitations-comprehensive-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/causes-of-palpitations-comprehensive-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding the Causes of Palpitations: A Comprehensive Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"173\" data-end=\"233\"><strong data-start=\"173\" data-end=\"233\">Understanding Palpitations: When Your Heart Skips a Beat<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"235\" data-end=\"582\">Are you feeling like your heart is racing, fluttering, or pounding in your chest? If so, you might be experiencing <strong data-start=\"350\" data-end=\"366\">palpitations<\/strong>\u2014a sensation where it feels like your heart is beating irregularly, too fast, or too hard. These episodes can last for a few seconds or persist for minutes, and they might be felt in your chest, throat, or even neck.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"584\" data-end=\"956\">While <strong data-start=\"590\" data-end=\"606\">palpitations<\/strong> are commonly harmless and linked to temporary triggers such as stress, caffeine, or dehydration, they can sometimes signal an underlying heart condition that requires medical attention. Certain heart rhythm disorders like arrhythmias, as well as conditions such as thyroid imbalance, anemia, or electrolyte disturbances, may also cause palpitations.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"958\" data-end=\"1220\">It\u2019s important not to ignore recurring or intense episodes, especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting. These may be signs of a more serious cardiovascular issue that needs prompt evaluation.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1222\" data-end=\"1463\">Learning about the potential causes, diagnosis methods, and treatment options for palpitations empowers you to take control of your heart health. Early detection and proper care can prevent complications and help you live with peace of mind.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1465\" data-end=\"1635\">If you\u2019re frequently feeling out of rhythm, consult with the best <a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/cardiology\/\">cardiologists<\/a> in Brooklyn to get a thorough evaluation and ensure your heart is functioning at its best.<\/p>\n<p>Learn all about<strong> heart palpitations <\/strong>in this article.<\/p>\n<h2>Causes of Palpitations<\/h2>\n<p>Heart palpitations can be caused by many different factors such as strong emotions, medications, and lifestyle factors. In some cases, certain medical conditions also affect your heart and other parts of your body.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Lifestyle causes of Palpitations<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Strenuous exercise<\/li>\n<li>Nicotine from tobacco products such as cigarettes and cigars<\/li>\n<li>Lack of sleep<\/li>\n<li>Smoking<\/li>\n<li>Dehydration<\/li>\n<li>Excess caffeine or alcohol intake<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Emotional and psychological triggers<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Anxiety<\/li>\n<li>Fear<\/li>\n<li>Panic<\/li>\n<li>Shock<\/li>\n<li>Stress<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Medications cause<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Over the counter (OTC) medications which include cold and cough medications, herbal supplements, and nutritional supplements.<\/li>\n<li>Stimulants such as amphetamines and cocaine<\/li>\n<li>Certain prescribed medications such as asthma inhalers and decongestants.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Heart conditions <\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>While heart palpitations are harmless, they also be an indication of an underlying heart condition such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Heart disease<\/li>\n<li>Congestive heart failure<\/li>\n<li>Abnormal heart valves<\/li>\n<li>Arrhythmia, or an irregular heart rhythm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Other medical conditions <\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Fever<\/li>\n<li>Overactive thyroid<\/li>\n<li>Hormonal changes due to pregnancy or menopause<\/li>\n<li>Anemia<\/li>\n<li>Low oxygen levels or carbon dioxide in the blood<\/li>\n<li>Low blood sugar<\/li>\n<li>Blood loss<\/li>\n<li>Sleep apnea<\/li>\n<li>Electrolyte abnormalities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"166\" data-end=\"210\">Recognizing the Symptoms of Palpitations<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"212\" data-end=\"588\"><strong data-start=\"212\" data-end=\"228\">Palpitations<\/strong> can feel different from person to person, but they often share a common thread: a noticeable change in your heartbeat that feels unusual or alarming. These sensations are typically felt in your chest, throat, or neck and can happen whether you&#8217;re active or at rest. Understanding what these symptoms feel like is key to knowing when to seek medical attention.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"590\" data-end=\"638\">Common symptoms of <strong data-start=\"609\" data-end=\"625\">palpitations<\/strong> may include:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"640\" data-end=\"1219\">\n<li data-start=\"640\" data-end=\"750\">\n<p data-start=\"642\" data-end=\"750\">A <strong data-start=\"644\" data-end=\"661\">flip-flopping<\/strong> sensation in your chest, as if your heart is turning over or fluttering unpredictably.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"751\" data-end=\"848\">\n<p data-start=\"753\" data-end=\"848\">The feeling of your heart <strong data-start=\"779\" data-end=\"798\">skipping a beat<\/strong>, which can happen suddenly and without warning.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"849\" data-end=\"930\">\n<p data-start=\"851\" data-end=\"930\">A sense that your heart is <strong data-start=\"878\" data-end=\"902\">adding an extra beat<\/strong> or beating out of rhythm.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"931\" data-end=\"1016\">\n<p data-start=\"933\" data-end=\"1016\">Noticeably <strong data-start=\"944\" data-end=\"967\">pounding heartbeats<\/strong>, even when you&#8217;re sitting still or lying down.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1017\" data-end=\"1126\">\n<p data-start=\"1019\" data-end=\"1126\">A <strong data-start=\"1021\" data-end=\"1041\">racing heartbeat<\/strong>, where your heart seems to beat much faster than normal without physical exertion.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1127\" data-end=\"1219\">\n<p data-start=\"1129\" data-end=\"1219\"><strong data-start=\"1129\" data-end=\"1156\">Fluttering in the chest<\/strong>, sometimes described as a butterfly-like feeling or vibration.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1221\" data-end=\"1611\">In many cases, <strong data-start=\"1236\" data-end=\"1252\">palpitations<\/strong> come and go quickly and aren\u2019t harmful. However, when these symptoms are frequent, persistent, or accompanied by dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath, they could be a warning sign of an underlying heart condition. Paying attention to how and when these symptoms occur can help your doctor determine their cause and whether further testing is needed.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1613\" data-end=\"1804\">If you&#8217;re experiencing any of these unusual sensations regularly, don\u2019t ignore them\u2014talk to a healthcare professional to better understand your <strong data-start=\"1757\" data-end=\"1773\">palpitations<\/strong> and protect your heart health.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"191\" data-end=\"226\">How Are Palpitations Diagnosed?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"228\" data-end=\"616\">If you\u2019re experiencing <strong data-start=\"251\" data-end=\"267\">palpitations<\/strong>, especially if they\u2019re frequent, intense, or accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or chest discomfort, it\u2019s essential to undergo a proper medical evaluation. Diagnosing <strong data-start=\"455\" data-end=\"471\">palpitations<\/strong> involves identifying whether the irregular heart sensations are benign or a sign of an underlying cardiac issue that requires further treatment.<\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"618\" data-end=\"641\">Initial Evaluation<\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"643\" data-end=\"832\">Your doctor will begin with a <strong data-start=\"673\" data-end=\"699\">detailed physical exam<\/strong> and a thorough review of your <strong data-start=\"730\" data-end=\"749\">medical history<\/strong>. During this initial evaluation, your healthcare provider may ask questions about:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"834\" data-end=\"1353\">\n<li data-start=\"834\" data-end=\"879\">\n<p data-start=\"836\" data-end=\"879\"><strong data-start=\"836\" data-end=\"879\">Frequency and intensity of palpitations<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"880\" data-end=\"935\">\n<p data-start=\"882\" data-end=\"935\">Your typical <strong data-start=\"895\" data-end=\"912\">stress levels<\/strong> and emotional triggers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"936\" data-end=\"995\">\n<p data-start=\"938\" data-end=\"995\"><strong data-start=\"938\" data-end=\"966\">Physical activity habits<\/strong> or recent changes in routine<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"996\" data-end=\"1053\">\n<p data-start=\"998\" data-end=\"1053\">Use of <strong data-start=\"1005\" data-end=\"1016\">alcohol<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"1018\" data-end=\"1030\">caffeine<\/strong>, or recreational drugs<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1054\" data-end=\"1138\">\n<p data-start=\"1056\" data-end=\"1138\">Any <strong data-start=\"1060\" data-end=\"1088\">prescription medications<\/strong> or <strong data-start=\"1092\" data-end=\"1124\">over-the-counter supplements<\/strong> you\u2019re taking<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1139\" data-end=\"1211\">\n<p data-start=\"1141\" data-end=\"1211\"><strong data-start=\"1141\" data-end=\"1158\">Sleep quality<\/strong> and the presence of sleep disorders like sleep apnea<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1212\" data-end=\"1283\">\n<p data-start=\"1214\" data-end=\"1283\">Existing <strong data-start=\"1223\" data-end=\"1244\">health conditions<\/strong>, especially thyroid problems or anemia<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1284\" data-end=\"1353\">\n<p data-start=\"1286\" data-end=\"1353\"><strong data-start=\"1286\" data-end=\"1307\">Menstrual history<\/strong> or hormonal fluctuations, especially in women<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1355\" data-end=\"1522\">Understanding these factors helps doctors determine whether your <strong data-start=\"1420\" data-end=\"1436\">palpitations<\/strong> are linked to lifestyle triggers, hormonal changes, or more serious heart conditions.<\/p>\n<h4 data-start=\"1524\" data-end=\"1555\">Referral to a Cardiologist<\/h4>\n<p data-start=\"1557\" data-end=\"1846\">If your primary care provider suspects a more complex heart-related issue, they may refer you to a <strong data-start=\"1656\" data-end=\"1672\">cardiologist<\/strong>. Cardiologists specialize in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular conditions and may order a range of diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of your <strong data-start=\"1829\" data-end=\"1845\">palpitations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1848\" data-end=\"1886\">Diagnostic Tests for Palpitations<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1888\" data-end=\"1965\">Depending on your symptoms and risk factors, the following tests may be used:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1967\" data-end=\"3728\">\n<li data-start=\"1967\" data-end=\"2180\">\n<p data-start=\"1969\" data-end=\"2180\"><strong data-start=\"1969\" data-end=\"1984\">Blood tests<\/strong>: These help detect abnormal levels of hormones, electrolytes (like potassium or magnesium), and blood cells, all of which can influence your heart rhythm and potentially trigger <strong data-start=\"2163\" data-end=\"2179\">palpitations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2184\" data-end=\"2326\">\n<p data-start=\"2186\" data-end=\"2326\"><strong data-start=\"2186\" data-end=\"2201\">Urine tests<\/strong>: Useful in evaluating blood sugar levels, hormone imbalances, and substances that could be contributing to <strong data-start=\"2309\" data-end=\"2325\">palpitations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2328\" data-end=\"2511\">\n<p data-start=\"2330\" data-end=\"2511\"><strong data-start=\"2330\" data-end=\"2345\">Stress test<\/strong>: Also called an exercise stress test, this evaluates how your heart responds under physical exertion. It helps detect rhythm disturbances that may not occur at rest.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2513\" data-end=\"2690\">\n<p data-start=\"2515\" data-end=\"2690\"><strong data-start=\"2515\" data-end=\"2549\">Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)<\/strong>: A non-invasive test that measures the electrical signals in your heart. It can identify abnormal rhythms or signs of previous heart damage.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2692\" data-end=\"2939\">\n<p data-start=\"2694\" data-end=\"2939\"><strong data-start=\"2694\" data-end=\"2712\">Echocardiogram<\/strong>: This imaging test uses ultrasound waves to create real-time images of your heart\u2019s structure and function. It helps detect valve problems, heart muscle issues, or blood flow abnormalities that may be causing <strong data-start=\"2922\" data-end=\"2938\">palpitations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2941\" data-end=\"3166\">\n<p data-start=\"2943\" data-end=\"3166\"><strong data-start=\"2943\" data-end=\"2961\">Holter monitor<\/strong>: A small, portable device you wear for 24 to 48 hours to continuously record your heart\u2019s electrical activity. It\u2019s especially useful if your <strong data-start=\"3104\" data-end=\"3120\">palpitations<\/strong> are sporadic and don\u2019t show up during an ECG.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3168\" data-end=\"3302\">\n<p data-start=\"3170\" data-end=\"3302\"><strong data-start=\"3170\" data-end=\"3185\">Chest X-ray<\/strong>: Can reveal if your heart is enlarged or if there are signs of lung problems that could be related to your symptoms.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3304\" data-end=\"3516\">\n<p data-start=\"3306\" data-end=\"3516\"><strong data-start=\"3306\" data-end=\"3339\">Electrophysiology study (EPS)<\/strong>: This specialized test maps the electrical signals within your heart using catheters inserted through blood vessels. It\u2019s particularly useful in diagnosing complex arrhythmias.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3518\" data-end=\"3728\">\n<p data-start=\"3520\" data-end=\"3728\"><strong data-start=\"3520\" data-end=\"3544\">Coronary angiography<\/strong>: If blocked arteries are suspected, this test helps visualize how blood is flowing through your heart. Restricted blood flow can lead to heart issues that present as <strong data-start=\"3711\" data-end=\"3727\">palpitations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Need help with a heart condition, call us on +<em>1(347) 384-5690<\/em>. <em>The Cardiologists at <\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/\"><strong><em>Doral Health &amp; Wellness<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong><em> consistently have outstanding patient satisfaction ratings. The professionals at Heart Specialist Brooklyn are able to greatly improve their patient\u2019s health and quality of life because of their vast training and experience. New Yorkers can get the greatest medical, surgical, and cardiovascular care at Doral Health &amp; Wellness Brooklyn. Visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/palpitations-causes.jpg\" alt=\"heart palpitations causes\" class=\"wp-image-27262\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/palpitations-causes.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/palpitations-causes-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/palpitations-causes-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Understand what triggers heart palpitations\u2014from lifestyle to medical conditions\u2014and learn how to manage them effectively at home.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Understand what triggers heart palpitations\u2014from lifestyle to medical conditions\u2014and learn how to manage them effectively at home.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":27262,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[54],"tags":[426,454,455],"class_list":["post-27261","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cardiology","tag-cardiology","tag-causes-of-palpitations","tag-comprehensive-guide"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27261","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27261"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27261\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":35085,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27261\/revisions\/35085"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27262"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27261"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27261"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doralhw.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27261"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}