HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

I Occassionally Get Heart Palpitations. I Can Usually Pinpoint A

default
Posted on Wed, 17 Oct 2018
Question: I occassionally get heart palpitations. I can usually pinpoint a cause--PMS, too little sleep, dehydration, stress, overeating, etc--but they can last quite awhile, for hours at a time. Usually, they feel like my heart beating too hard, with the occassional skipped beat. Every time I go to the doctor about my heart, the doctor can't find anything (other than the fact that I struggle with iron deficiency). Should I be worried?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Priyank Mody (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
It may be a completely physiological phenomenon

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I am Dr. Mody and I would be addressing your concern.

As you describe, all the instances where there was palpitation when you had any form of physical or mental stress. During such times there is secretion of stress hormones like adrenaline in the circulation which would increase your heart rate and sometimes on occasional extra beat causing palpitation.

Anemia due to iron deficiency (here the blood gets thinner/diluted) would increase the force with which heart contracts resulting in the increase in perception. This is a completely physiological phenomenon and would pass off as you settle down.

An EKG during such an episode may help diagnose any irregularity in the heart beats.

Like your age, Thyroid function and 2D echocardiography may complete the baseline investigation if the symptoms persist even after correction of anemia. However, I don't think you should worry.

Feel free to ask further.

Regards
Dr. Priyank Mody

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Priyank Mody

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 918 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
I Occassionally Get Heart Palpitations. I Can Usually Pinpoint A

Brief Answer: It may be a completely physiological phenomenon Detailed Answer: Hello, I am Dr. Mody and I would be addressing your concern. As you describe, all the instances where there was palpitation when you had any form of physical or mental stress. During such times there is secretion of stress hormones like adrenaline in the circulation which would increase your heart rate and sometimes on occasional extra beat causing palpitation. Anemia due to iron deficiency (here the blood gets thinner/diluted) would increase the force with which heart contracts resulting in the increase in perception. This is a completely physiological phenomenon and would pass off as you settle down. An EKG during such an episode may help diagnose any irregularity in the heart beats. Like your age, Thyroid function and 2D echocardiography may complete the baseline investigation if the symptoms persist even after correction of anemia. However, I don't think you should worry. Feel free to ask further. Regards Dr. Priyank Mody