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Why do heart palpitations happen?
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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #12321
46 days ago
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Why do heart palpitations happen? - #12321

Ayush

I am really worried about these heart palpitations I've been having lately. Like, it started a few weeks ago when I was just sitting on my couch watching TV and then BAM! My heart started racing like crazy. At first, I thought maybe I was just stressed out from work, ya know? But then I noticed they happen even when I’m just chillin', like reading a book or even when I'm trying to sleep. It's so random! At first I figured, okay maybe I’m just not eating well or something, but I’ve been trying to eat better and drink more water. Still, these heart palpitations keep popping up! My doctor said they can be from anxiety or maybe some lifestyle choices but like, why do heart palpitations happen? Is it just stress or can it be something more serious? I did an EKG and they said everything looks fine, but I can’t shake this feeling that there’s something off. I keep googling “why do heart palpitations happen?” but I would love to hear what you all think. Anyone else have this experience? How do you deal with it? Seriously, some days I feel like I can't even enjoy my hobbies without worrying about my heart acting up! Thanks for any advice!

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Doctors’ responses

Heart palpitations can indeed be unsettling, but they’re generally common and often harmless. There are several reasons why they might be happening. Stress and anxiety, as your doctor mentioned, are frequent culprits. When stressed, the body releases adrenaline, which can cause the heart to beat faster. Lifestyle factors also play a significant role, and while you’ve been improving your diet and hydration, consider other elements like caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol intake—these can stimulate palpitations. Additionally, some over-the-counter medications, especially decongestants and supplements, can also trigger them. Despite the normal EKG, other cardiac activities might still be at play; conditions like arrhythmias, though less likely given your recent test results, can cause palpitations. It’s worth considering other factors such as thyroid function, since hyperthyroidism can lead to palpitations too. If this persists or worsens, further investigations like a Holter monitor—which records heart rhythm over 24 to 48 hours—might reveal irregularities not caught in an EKG. Meanwhile, managing stress through regular exercise, yoga, or meditation can help minimize symptoms. Make sure to maintain regular sleep patterns and reduce caffeine intake, especially later in the day. If there is any sudden onset of symptoms like dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain, seek medical attention immediately, as this could indicate a more serious issue. While lifestyle modifications are a great step, ongoing concerns should always be discussed with your healthcare provider to ensure comprehensive management specific to your situation.

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