Have you ever been sitting quietly when you suddenly notice your heart beating faster than usual? Sometimes the heartbeat feels unusually strong, fluttering or as if it is skipping. This sensation is commonly called a palpitation. It can happen for several reasons, and not every episode indicates a serious heart problem.
Here are seven possible causes.
1. Anxiety and emotional stress
Stress can activate the body’s fight-or-flight response, releasing hormones that increase heart rate. Some people experience palpitations during periods of worry or panic.
2. Caffeine consumption
Coffee, strong tea, energy drinks and some other caffeinated products can cause a faster heartbeat in sensitive individuals.
3. Dehydration
When your body loses too much fluid, changes in blood volume and circulation may cause your heart to beat faster.
4. Fever or infection
A fever can increase your heart rate because your body is working harder to fight an illness.
5. Anaemia
Anaemia occurs when the blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin to carry oxygen effectively. The heart may beat faster to compensate.
6. Thyroid problems
An overactive thyroid can increase the body’s metabolic activity and cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat.
7. Abnormal heart rhythms
Some palpitations are caused by arrhythmias, which are problems with the heart’s electrical rhythm. Certain arrhythmias require medical evaluation and treatment.
What should you do?
Notice when the palpitations occur, how long they last and whether they happen after caffeine, exercise or stressful situations. A healthcare professional may recommend an ECG or other tests.
Seek emergency medical attention if a fast or irregular heartbeat occurs with chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness or significant dizziness.
Do not assume that every palpitation is caused by anxiety. Repeated, unexplained or persistent episodes deserve proper assessment.
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