AskDocDoc
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime. No sign-up needed.
Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #16885
4 days ago
18

how to calm heartbeat - #16885

Mahi

I am really struggling with this annoying sensation in my chest. For the past few days, I’ve been feeling like my heart is racing way too much, even when I'm just sitting down. It’s like, I’ll be watching TV or reading a book, and outta nowhere my heartbeat starts pounding and feels super fast. I've even noticed it happening when I'm trying to fall asleep, which is really frustrating! A couple days ago, I decided to check my pulse and it was like 100 bpm without doing any physical activity! I got kinda freaked out, I mean, is this normal? I’m also not super anxious or anything, but I can feel my heart racing when I think about how to calm heartbeat – like, does that make it worse? I’ve tried some breathing exercises and a little meditation, but I'm not sure if that’s even enough. Should I be doing something specific? Or are there certain foods or remedies that could help me figure out how to calm heartbeat when it feels like this? I mean, I just want to chill out and not feel like I just ran a marathon when I’m literally not moving! Any advice would really be appreciated!

FREE
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors’ responses

When you’re experiencing that racing heartbeat sensation, it makes sense to actively address both the symptoms and potential underlying causes. Firstly, check if there’re lifestyle factors, like caffeine or nicotine, that might be contributing. Sometimes just cutting down on caffeinated drinks, smoking, or even certain medications with stimulants can make a significant difference. As for techniques, when your heart starts racing, try the Valsalva maneuver – take a deep breath, hold it, and then try to exhale against closed nostrils and mouth. This can help stimulate the vagus nerve and potentially slow your heart rate. Additionally, the breathing exercises you’re already trying are beneficial – focus on slow, deep breaths that last about five seconds in, hold briefly, and then exhale over seven seconds. Calm, even breathing can help relax the nervous system. From a dietary perspective, ensure you’re maintaining a balanced diet rich in magnesium and potassium, as these electrolytes help regulate heart function. Foods rich in these, like leafy greens, bananas, nuts, and whole grains, might contribute to calming your heart rate over time. Also, ensure you’re well-hydrated, as dehydration could contribute to higher heart rates. While these measures can be helpful, if your heartbeat is persistently fast, unexplained, or accompanied by symptoms like dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly. Your symptoms could be indicative of something more serious like an underlying arrhythmia or thyroid issue that requires professional evaluation. Keeping a diary of when the episodes happen, their triggers, and any accompanying symptoms may also be useful for your healthcare provider. Making time for regular physical activity, assuming there’re no contraindications, can also help regulate your heart rate in the long term and improve overall cardiovascular health.

7084 answered questions
76% best answers

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions