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Why heart beat increases?
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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #12436
49 days ago
87

Why heart beat increases? - #12436

Aisha

I am super confused and a bit worried about why my heart beat increases at the oddest times. Like, just the other day, I was sitting on my couch, watching a comedy show, nothing intense, right? But then outta nowhere, my heart just starts racing, like, boom, boom, boom! I thought maybe I was just really into the jokes, but it happened again when I was cooking dinner. Then I noticed it has happened a few times when I'm just chillin or even waking up in the middle of the night, feeling my heart racing like I just ran a marathon. I’ve tried breathing exercises when this happens, but even then, my heart beat increases and sometimes feels like it won’t settle down. Is it just anxiety or could I be missing something bigger? I haven’t changed much in my diet or routines, so I can't figure out why heart beat increases like this. I’m not on any medication, never really had heart issues before as far as I know. I’m honestly starting to worry because something just feels off, ya know? Like, should I be keeping track of when this happens or how fast my heart beat increases? Would love some advice or maybe hear if others experience this too!

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Doctors’ responses

Heart beat increases, or palpitations, can be attributed to a variety of causes and understanding these can help provide clarity and direction. One of the most frequent reasons is anxiety or stress, even when you’re not overtly aware of feeling anxious. It can manifest physically by increasing the heart rate. However, other factors could be at play. Certain dietary choices, like caffeine or alcohol consumption, or even dehydration, can lead to an increased heart rate. Sleep disturbances or inconsistent sleep patterns might also contribute to those nighttime episodes. Hormonal changes, like those during menstruation or thyroid imbalances, are another potential cause for unexpected heart rate increases. It is also vital to consider medical conditions like arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats, and can range from benign to requiring medical intervention.

Tracking when these episodes occur, their duration, and any associated symptoms (like dizziness or shortness of breath) could provide helpful insights if further medical evaluation is needed. In some cases, a wearable heart monitor or a Holter monitor prescribed by a healthcare provider could be useful. Given your concerns and the recurring nature of your symptoms, seeking professional medical evaluation is recommended. A healthcare provider can perform necessary examinations, potentially including an ECG, to determine if there’s an underlying condition causing your symptoms. It’s always safer to rule out any serious conditions. Additionally, if you experience severe symptoms such as chest pain, fainting, or significant shortness of breath, seeking immediate medical help is crucial. It’s good to be cautious and proactive about your health, so having your heart health evaluated promptly would be wise.

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