Heart Palpitations: The Impact of Autonomic Nervous System Disorders

Premature contractions (premature beats) due to autonomic nervous system dysregulation?

Hello Doctor, two years ago I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse after an episode and was ultimately determined to have benign arrhythmia caused by autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
I have been reducing my medication and have started exercising to strengthen my heart.
Recently, due to changes in the weather and feeling a bit down, I experienced about three hours of premature contractions yesterday, where my heartbeat felt irregular.
This was the only uncomfortable episode I've had in the past six months, and it resolved on its own after about three hours.
I had a similar episode six months ago, with both occurrences lasting about 2-3 hours.
During these episodes, I sometimes miss a few beats in a minute, but at other times, it can be several minutes apart.
I have two questions: 1.
Is this related to autonomic nervous system dysfunction? 2.
Is this issue something I will have for life, or is it likely to improve over time? Thank you, Doctor.
I know you pray for your patients, and I am very touched and at peace!

Plkk, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/11/30

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology

Hello, is this related to autonomic nervous system disorders that last a lifetime? Don't think too seriously about it! We often catch colds, right? Have you ever thought that a cold could last a lifetime? Just think of it as a "heart cold." It will get better after a while.
Let go, enjoy life, and I pray for your peace.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2020/11/30

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your question regarding heart palpitations and the impact of autonomic nervous system (ANS) disorders. It's great to hear that you've been proactive about your health and have sought medical advice regarding your condition. Let's delve into your concerns.

1. Connection Between Autonomic Nervous System and Heart Palpitations: Yes, there is a significant relationship between the autonomic nervous system and heart palpitations. The ANS regulates involuntary bodily functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. It consists of two main branches: the sympathetic nervous system (which prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses) and the parasympathetic nervous system (which promotes 'rest and digest' activities). When there is an imbalance in these systems, such as in cases of autonomic nervous system disorders, it can lead to symptoms like heart palpitations, anxiety, and irregular heartbeats.

In your case, the episodes of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) or palpitations you experience could indeed be linked to fluctuations in your autonomic nervous system. Stress, emotional changes, and even environmental factors like weather changes can trigger these symptoms. When you feel anxious or stressed, your sympathetic nervous system may become more active, leading to increased heart rate and palpitations. Conversely, when you are relaxed, the parasympathetic system can help stabilize your heart rate.

2. Long-term Outlook: Regarding whether this issue will persist or improve over time, it varies from person to person. Many individuals with similar conditions find that their symptoms can improve with lifestyle changes, stress management, and sometimes medication. Regular exercise, as you mentioned, can strengthen your heart and improve your overall cardiovascular health, which may help reduce the frequency and severity of palpitations. Additionally, practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help regulate your autonomic nervous system and reduce anxiety, potentially leading to fewer episodes of palpitations.

It's also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and regular physical activity. These factors can significantly influence your autonomic nervous system and overall heart health. If you continue to experience palpitations or if they worsen, it would be wise to consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may recommend additional tests or adjustments to your treatment plan.

In summary, your heart palpitations are likely related to your autonomic nervous system's functioning, and with appropriate lifestyle changes and management strategies, there is a good chance that your symptoms can improve over time. Always keep an open line of communication with your healthcare provider, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have further concerns or if your symptoms change.

Take care, and I wish you all the best on your journey to better health!

Similar Q&A

Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders and Heart Palpitations

I would like to follow up on the issue of autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Thank you, Doctor. I'm not sure if this falls within your area of expertise, as my symptoms primarily manifest in my heart (heart examinations have generally shown no significant issues). My main...

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, that's right. The body is always functioning, including controlling heart rate and breathing. It's normal for the heart to race when feeling anxious; this is the body’s way of signaling that something is about to happen, prompting the brain and heart to prepare f...

Understanding the Impact of Autonomic Nervous System Disorders on Heart Health

Doctor, I’m sorry to bother you again. I would like to ask if the high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and palpitations caused by autonomic nervous system dysfunction really have no relation? Do they have no impact on the body at all? Isn’t high blood pressure harmful to the he...

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, first of all, palpitations are not a disease and will not damage the heart. Secondly, autonomic nervous system dysregulation does not cause excessive cholesterol elevation that would lead to vascular obstruction. Hypertension is a medical condition, but having one high blo...

Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders and Heart Palpitations

Hello Doctor, I was born in Hong Kong and noticed that your website in Taiwan has a lot of information regarding this symptom, so I specifically came to consult you. In the past few months, I have started experiencing palpitations. In May, I was hospitalized for a cardiac evaluat...

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, the feeling of missed beats and facial flushing can be managed by increasing the dosage of propranolol and sertraline to three times a day for now. Once your condition stabilizes, you can reduce the dosage back down. Don't worry, palpitations are not a disease and pos...

Understanding Palpitations: The Impact of Autonomic Nervous System Disorders

Hello, Doctor. I am a very anxious person and have symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder related to breathing, which has led to autonomic nervous system dysregulation. My sympathetic nervous system is significantly more active than my parasympathetic nervous system. Every day...

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, palpitations and stronger heartbeats will not cause heart damage, shorten lifespan, or lead to vascular depletion. There's no need to worry. Changhua Hospital cares about you.