Doctors Warn Against Ignoring Heart Palpitations
Cardiologists have cautioned that palpitations should not be brushed aside as a minor or routine complaint, as they can sometimes signal serious and even life-threatening heart conditions.
Addressing the media here on Saturday, Dr. A. Suresh, an electrophysiologist and senior interventional cardiologist at Medicover Hospitals, explained that palpitations are sensations in which the heart beats unusually fast, forcefully, or irregularly, or appears to skip a beat. While brief episodes lasting a few seconds or minutes are often harmless, he said they can also be an early indicator of conditions such as arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, or ventricular tachycardia.
Dr Suresh said several lifestyle and medical factors could trigger palpitations, including stress, excessive physical exertion, high caffeine intake, thyroid disorders, anaemia, fluctuations in blood pressure, low blood sugar levels and electrolyte imbalances. He added that hormonal changes and increased blood volume during pregnancy can also lead to frequent palpitations.
He advised immediate medical attention if palpitations are accompanied by chest pain, breathlessness, severe fatigue, fainting, or a persistently fast or irregular heartbeat, particularly when the heart rate remains above 120 beats per minute.
Doctors usually rely on diagnostic tests such as ECG, 2D echocardiography, Holter monitoring and blood investigations to assess thyroid function, electrolyte levels and haemoglobin. Simple lifestyle measures including stress management, adequate sleep and yoga can also help reduce symptoms, he said.
Highlighting the importance of timely care, Dr Suresh noted that treatment for a heart attack within the first three hours is critical to prevent permanent damage to heart muscles, which can later increase the risk of palpitations.
Dr Arun Kumar, Unit Head at Medicover Hospitals, echoed the warning and said recurring palpitations or those associated with dizziness, breathlessness or chest pain should never be ignored and must be evaluated promptly by a cardiology specialist.