Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Heart Palpitations?
Question: What is the correlation between heart palpitations (skipped heart beats, brief (<1 sec) sensation of fluttering?) If I have heart palpitations should I be worried this will happen ot me and if so what can be done to prevent this?
I have a history of heart palpitations with otherwise no additional symptoms. They seem to be triggered by stress / anxiety / caffeine etc which I have been told is a usual symptom of heart palpitations. My they've never been medically diagnosed it is suspected by my GP that they are PVCs or PACs. I have had holter monitoring done which came back with "normal" results aprox. 10 years ago. Generally I have 1 skipped beat per day however 1-2 times per year I have episodes where I have aprox 15 in one day.
When I do some reading online I note that most people claim these are benign. However I have also read there is an increased likelihood of sudden cardiac arrest. My paternal grandfather had sudden cardiac arrest at age 37 and was subsequently put on a cardio cardiac rehabilitation program. I am unsure what caused his Cardiac Arrest but is is a cause of anxiety.
I have a history of heart palpitations with otherwise no additional symptoms. They seem to be triggered by stress / anxiety / caffeine etc which I have been told is a usual symptom of heart palpitations. My they've never been medically diagnosed it is suspected by my GP that they are PVCs or PACs. I have had holter monitoring done which came back with "normal" results aprox. 10 years ago. Generally I have 1 skipped beat per day however 1-2 times per year I have episodes where I have aprox 15 in one day.
When I do some reading online I note that most people claim these are benign. However I have also read there is an increased likelihood of sudden cardiac arrest. My paternal grandfather had sudden cardiac arrest at age 37 and was subsequently put on a cardio cardiac rehabilitation program. I am unsure what caused his Cardiac Arrest but is is a cause of anxiety.
Brief Answer:
Seldom means more serious problem
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for giving an opportunity to answer your query.
I am glad that you know good amount of information about premature beats. Premature heart beats (PAC/PVC's) feels like a skipped heartbeat, a premature heartbeat is actually an extra beats.They are commonly caused by stimulants, such as caffeine from coffee, tea and soft drinks; over-the-counter cold remedies containing pseudoephedrine. Certain medications, alcohol and high levels of adrenaline due to stress, exercise or caffeine also can cause these premature beats.
In most cases of occasional PVCs the underlying cause cannot be identified.I were to do an 2D ECHO to rule out structural heart problems.
I wouldn't advice any treatment as of now since you are having occasional PVCs with no other symptoms and no underlying heart disease or structural problems. Suggest to control/avoid these beats by reducing or eliminating your caffeine, tobacco and alcohol intake and reducing stress and anxiety(if any).
Always bring it to your MD notice if you experience frequent, regular or prolonged (duration of several minutes) premature beats.For example if it is more than 15 any time during the day or if the frequency increases.
Sudden cardiac arrest is seen only when the underlying cardiac condition is missed/undetected/undiagnosed. Since your reports are normal and underlying condition is ruled out you may not panic.
Hope this answers your query.
Seldom means more serious problem
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for giving an opportunity to answer your query.
I am glad that you know good amount of information about premature beats. Premature heart beats (PAC/PVC's) feels like a skipped heartbeat, a premature heartbeat is actually an extra beats.They are commonly caused by stimulants, such as caffeine from coffee, tea and soft drinks; over-the-counter cold remedies containing pseudoephedrine. Certain medications, alcohol and high levels of adrenaline due to stress, exercise or caffeine also can cause these premature beats.
In most cases of occasional PVCs the underlying cause cannot be identified.I were to do an 2D ECHO to rule out structural heart problems.
I wouldn't advice any treatment as of now since you are having occasional PVCs with no other symptoms and no underlying heart disease or structural problems. Suggest to control/avoid these beats by reducing or eliminating your caffeine, tobacco and alcohol intake and reducing stress and anxiety(if any).
Always bring it to your MD notice if you experience frequent, regular or prolonged (duration of several minutes) premature beats.For example if it is more than 15 any time during the day or if the frequency increases.
Sudden cardiac arrest is seen only when the underlying cardiac condition is missed/undetected/undiagnosed. Since your reports are normal and underlying condition is ruled out you may not panic.
Hope this answers your query.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
