Heart Palpitations: Causes and Concerns for Athletes

Heart rate issues?

Doctor, I would like to ask you about something.
Sometimes when I am eating, I suddenly feel a strong heartbeat in my throat and esophagus, almost like it pauses for a moment, but then it goes back to normal.
Other times, while doing something, I unexpectedly feel my heartbeat noticeably, as if it pauses, and I can feel that discomfort for just a moment, but then it resolves.
Sometimes I can feel my heart suddenly beating strongly when I breathe.
I have had an electrocardiogram that was normal, but I also underwent an endoscopy and was diagnosed with gastritis, which I am currently treating.
I would like to know if this is normal.
I am an athlete, and I usually don’t feel anything unusual while running, but sometimes when I am at rest, I can feel it.
Additionally, when I am fasting or in a cold environment, my heartbeat can also feel noticeable at times.
Is this related to the sympathetic nervous system, or is there another explanation?

Kk, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/02/24

Dr. Chen Jili reply Cardiology

We recommend that you visit the cardiology outpatient department of a major hospital to determine if any relevant examinations are necessary.
Thank you, and wish you good health!

Reply Date: 2022/02/24

More Info

Heart palpitations are sensations that feel like your heart is pounding, fluttering, or beating irregularly. For athletes, experiencing palpitations can be concerning, especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Understanding the potential causes and implications of these sensations is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health.

Causes of Heart Palpitations
1. Physiological Factors: In athletes, heart palpitations can often be attributed to physiological responses to exercise. During intense physical activity, the heart rate increases to supply more oxygen to the muscles. After exercise, the heart may still be in a heightened state, leading to sensations of palpitations. Additionally, dehydration or electrolyte imbalances can exacerbate these feelings.

2. Autonomic Nervous System: The autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions, can influence heart rate. The sympathetic nervous system (responsible for the "fight or flight" response) can cause the heart to beat faster or more forcefully, especially during stress or anxiety. This could explain why you feel palpitations more during moments of inactivity or when you are focused on your heartbeat.

3. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Given your history of gastritis, it's important to consider that gastrointestinal issues can also manifest as palpitations. Acid reflux can irritate the esophagus and stimulate the vagus nerve, which can lead to sensations of a racing heart or irregular beats.

4. Caffeine and Stimulants: Consumption of caffeine or other stimulants can lead to increased heart rate and palpitations. As an athlete, if you consume energy drinks or supplements, these could be contributing factors.

5. Anxiety and Stress: Psychological factors such as anxiety can lead to heightened awareness of bodily sensations, including heartbeats. This can create a feedback loop where the more you focus on your heart, the more you feel it beating, which can lead to increased anxiety.

6. Cardiac Conditions: While less common in young athletes, certain cardiac conditions can cause palpitations. These include arrhythmias, structural heart abnormalities, or ischemic heart disease. Given that you have had a normal ECG previously, this is less likely, but it’s important to remain vigilant.

When to Seek Medical Attention
While occasional palpitations can be benign, you should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Palpitations that are frequent or persistent.

- Associated symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, fainting, or shortness of breath.

- A significant change in your usual exercise tolerance or performance.

- Symptoms that occur at rest or during minimal exertion.

Recommendations
1. Monitoring: Keep a diary of your palpitations, noting when they occur, their duration, and any associated activities or symptoms. This can help your healthcare provider identify patterns and potential triggers.

2. Lifestyle Modifications: Consider reducing caffeine intake, managing stress through relaxation techniques, and ensuring proper hydration and nutrition.

3. Follow-Up: Since you have a history of gastritis, continue to manage your gastrointestinal health. If your palpitations persist or worsen, consider a follow-up with a cardiologist for further evaluation, which may include a Holter monitor or an echocardiogram to assess heart function and rhythm over time.

4. Education: Understanding your body’s responses during exercise and rest can help alleviate anxiety about palpitations. Education about normal physiological responses can empower you to manage your health proactively.

In conclusion, while heart palpitations can be concerning, they are often benign, especially in athletes. However, it is essential to remain vigilant and consult with healthcare professionals if symptoms persist or worsen. Your health and well-being are paramount, and addressing any concerns early can help ensure a long and healthy athletic career.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Palpitations: Causes and Concerns for Athletes

Hello doctor, I would like to ask you about something. Recently, due to the pandemic, I've been staying at home, and I often feel my heartbeat throughout the day. However, when I'm eating or looking at my phone and not paying special attention to it, I don't notice...

Dr. Wu Xueming reply Cardiology
A normal heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute, while athletes may have a slower rate. However, if you frequently experience discomfort, it is advisable to visit a hospital for an electrocardiogram (ECG) examination.

Managing Anxiety: Understanding Post-Exercise Fatigue and Weakness

I am a college re-examinee this year, and I feel a lot of pressure regarding further education. Previously, I experienced palpitations after exercising and consulted a cardiologist. Both the exercise electrocardiogram and the 24-hour Holter monitor were normal, and blood tests sh...

Dr. Zhong Mingxun reply Psychiatry
Stress can lead to sympathetic nervous system activation, which affects most organs in the body. Therefore, whenever there is anxiety, it can result in generalized discomfort. Many individuals seek medical attention due to this physical discomfort, but often fail to find a cause,...

Experiencing Heart Palpitations After Exercise: What You Need to Know

Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing intense heart palpitations (meaning very strong beats) after exercising, along with a sensation that feels like my heart is about to burst out. This issue has been ongoing for a long time; it used to occur mainly during vigorous ac...

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, it is recommended that you first visit a cardiologist for an examination. This is often an issue caused by sudden intense exercise affecting autonomic nervous system regulation. Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.

Post-Exercise Chest Tightness and Palpitations: When to Seek Medical Attention?

Hello, I would like to ask a few questions. A few days ago, I participated in a duathlon competition. During the race, I did not feel particularly unwell, but afterward, I experienced headaches and nausea. Upon reviewing my heart rate monitor, I found that my average heart rate d...

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, LUA. It seems that your symptoms may be caused by overwork. It is recommended to rest and monitor your condition. If there is no improvement, it would be advisable to visit a cardiology clinic for further evaluation. Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.