What does heart palpitations feel like
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Summary
10 papers analyzed
These studies suggest palpitations feel like an abnormal, rapid, or irregular heartbeat sensation in the chest.
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Understanding Heart Palpitations: Sensations and Causes
What Heart Palpitations Feel Like
Sensations of Heart Palpitations
Heart palpitations are commonly described as an unusual awareness of the heartbeat. This can manifest as a sensation of the heart beating rapidly, irregularly, or more forcefully than usual. Individuals experiencing palpitations often report feelings such as fluttering, pounding, skipping, racing, thudding, or jumping in the chest . Some may also feel as though their heart is sinking or that they need to cough, and occasionally, they might experience a sensation of breathlessness.
Duration and Intensity
The duration of palpitations can vary significantly. They might last for just a moment, several seconds, or even minutes, though it is rare for them to persist longer. The intensity can also differ, with some people feeling a mild flutter, while others might experience a more forceful pounding sensation .
Causes of Heart Palpitations
Normal and Abnormal Triggers
Palpitations can occur under both normal and abnormal circumstances. Normal triggers include physical activities like exercise, emotional responses such as stress or excitement, and the consumption of substances that affect heart rate, such as caffeine and nicotine . These are typically recognized as normal because they are linked to identifiable causes that accelerate the heart's rhythm.
Medical Conditions and Arrhythmias
Abnormal palpitations, on the other hand, may occur without any apparent cause and can be indicative of underlying medical conditions. These can include arrhythmias, where the heart beats irregularly or too quickly (tachycardia) . Other medical issues such as an overactive thyroid or structural heart disease can also lead to palpitations .
Psychological Factors
Psychological factors, including anxiety and stress, are significant contributors to palpitations. Studies indicate that up to a third of palpitation cases are linked to psychological causes. Anxiety-related palpitations are often described as intense and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as panic or stress.
Clinical Implications and Management
Differentiating Benign and Serious Cases
For healthcare providers, distinguishing between benign palpitations and those requiring further investigation is crucial. While most palpitations are benign and do not indicate a serious heart condition, some can be a prelude to more severe issues such as syncope or sudden cardiac death . Therefore, a thorough clinical evaluation, including history, physical examination, and possibly an electrocardiogram (ECG), is essential for proper diagnosis and management .
Reassurance and Treatment
In many cases, reassurance and lifestyle modifications are sufficient to manage palpitations, especially when they are linked to benign causes like anxiety or normal physiological responses. However, identifying and treating any underlying medical conditions is critical for those with more serious causes of palpitations.
Conclusion
Heart palpitations are a common symptom characterized by an unusual awareness of the heartbeat, which can feel like fluttering, pounding, or racing in the chest. They can be triggered by normal activities or indicate underlying medical or psychological conditions. Proper evaluation and differentiation between benign and serious cases are essential for effective management and treatment.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
4
[Epidemiology, classification and prognosis of palpitations].
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2010
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Il cardiopalmo: epidemiologia, classificazione e prognosi
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8
Palpitations.
8
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1992