How to control heartbeat naturally? - #12417
I am really worried about my heartbeat these days. For the past few weeks, I've been feeling like my heart races out of nowhere, sometimes even when I am just sitting down! I visited my doctor, and they did some tests, but everything came back normal, which is good, but it still scares me. I don’t want to rely on medication all the time because I’ve read about the side effects. I keep wondering how to control heartbeat naturally instead. I've tried deep breathing exercises, which helps a little, but not consistently. I've also started drinking herbal tea, but sometimes it feels like nothing seems to work in the long run. I heard that certain foods or even mindfulness stuff can help too, but I’m not sure what to focus on. Is there any lifestyle change or diet that actually helps with how to control heartbeat naturally? I really want to get this under control without reaching for pills if I don’t have to. Has anyone had success finding ways on how to control heartbeat naturally? I would appreciate any tips or experiences shared! Thank you!
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Doctors’ responses
Heart palpitations can indeed be alarming, especially when they happen out of the blue, but the fact that your tests came back normal suggests your problem is likely benign. Still, it’s important to explore non-pharmacological approaches that may help. Since you’ve already tried deep breathing, you might consider adding regular aerobic exercise like walking, cycling, or swimming to your routine, as these activities can enhance cardiovascular function and may reduce occurrences of palpitations. Aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise, split throughout the week. Avoiding caffeine, nicotine, and drugs that may act as stimulants is critical as well, since these can trigger or worsen palpitations. Alcohol can sometimes be a culprit too, so monitor its consumption and see if cutting back helps reduce symptoms. Practicing mindfulness or meditation techniques can also bring significant benefits, aiding in lowering stress and anxiety, which are often related to palpitations. These practices might offer more consistent results compared to irregular breathing exercises. A balanced diet rich in magnesium and potassium, such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, avocados, and bananas, supports heart health and can be naturally calming for your heart rate. Ensuring good hydration also helps. Dehydration, including from excessive caffeine or alcohol, can sometimes lead to heart racing. Monitoring your sleep and ensuring you get 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly is also important, as fatigue can contribute to palpitations. Despite focusing on lifestyle changes, it’s essential to continually keep in touch with your healthcare provider, especially if symptoms persist or worsen, to rule out any underlying conditions that might have been missed initially. If you haven’t already, discussing the introduction of a wearable heart monitor with your doctor might provide additional insights into your heart patterns and triggers.
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