Why Does Shaving My Calves Trigger Heart Palpitations?

Why does scraping the calf cause palpitations?

In the past year, I have occasionally experienced palpitations, especially when getting a massage.
When the therapist massages my calves, I feel continuous palpitations; if I stop the massage or have a lighter touch, it improves.
Recently, I also find that I sometimes have to consciously focus on my breathing; otherwise, it feels like I might stop breathing.
I have been to a chest hospital for examination, and the doctor said everything is normal.
Could my shortness of breath be related to low atmospheric pressure? Why do I experience palpitations when my calves are massaged?

Kris, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/09/01

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology

DEAR DRYSTAL, based on your symptoms of dyspnea and low blood pressure, it may be related to autonomic nervous system instability.
Why does rubbing your calves cause palpitations? I haven't heard of this; it could be that the stimulation in that area is particularly strong for you.
Statistically, about 5-10% of the population has mitral valve prolapse, with an unclear etiology, but the vast majority is related to congenital genetics.
It is more common in females than in males, with a ratio of approximately 3 to 1.
Most patients are asymptomatic and discover mitral valve prolapse during routine examinations or evaluations for other conditions.
Those who do experience symptoms often present at a young age with at least two of the following symptoms: chest pain, palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks, or even syncope.
These symptoms do not originate from the heart but are due to excessive sympathetic nervous system activation, leading to a syndrome often referred to as autonomic dysfunction syndrome.
Mitral valve prolapse is simply another manifestation of this syndrome and does not have a causal relationship with other symptoms.
In some patients, the mitral valve fails to close tightly, causing some blood to flow backward into the left atrium during left ventricular contraction, clinically referred to as mitral regurgitation.
Mitral valve prolapse, in addition to causing regurgitation and left atrial enlargement, may also lead to young-onset stroke, infective endocarditis, or even sudden death, so caution is warranted.
The diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse can be made through clinical auscultation, where a characteristic click or murmur may be heard, but electrocardiograms and chest X-rays have limited diagnostic value.
The most important examination is echocardiography, which can visualize mitral valve prolapse and assess for mitral regurgitation or other related conditions such as rheumatic heart disease or ischemic heart disease.
The frequency, timing, triggers, and severity of symptoms in patients with mitral valve prolapse can vary widely.
Some may experience episodes weekly, while others may have them only every few months or even years.
Symptoms can last from one or two days to several weeks.
Common triggers include colds, menstruation, emotional stress, lack of sleep, delayed meals, excessive fatigue, engaging in unfamiliar physical activities, prolonged exposure to hot, dry, enclosed spaces, dehydration from excessive sweating, or the use of stimulants such as tobacco, alcohol, coffee, or drugs.
Most patients can tolerate these symptoms, but a small number may find them severely distressing, leading to frequent emergency room visits, overwhelming emergency physicians, and disrupting their daily lives, resulting in what is termed a life crisis.
There are instances where patients with severe chest pain are diagnosed with angina and undergo cardiac catheterization, but fatalities due to life-threatening crises are extremely rare.
Medications can only provide symptomatic relief and cannot eradicate mitral valve prolapse.
Surgery is only applicable in cases of significant mitral regurgitation affecting cardiac function or in cases of infective endocarditis, and it does not alleviate the aforementioned symptoms.
Fortunately, clinically, the cases that require surgery are quite rare, and most patients can achieve some degree of symptom relief through medication.
Patients should also come to terms with coexisting with this condition, accepting it as an invisible defect of the body.
If individuals experience the aforementioned symptoms and suspect they have mitral valve prolapse, they should consult a cardiologist for evaluation.
If echocardiography confirms mitral valve prolapse, it is important to be aware of situations that may trigger symptoms and to actively avoid these situations.
Along with following the physician's prescribed medication, most symptoms can be well controlled.
If there is moderate or greater regurgitation, patients should inform their physician during invasive procedures or dental extractions about the need for prophylactic antibiotics to reduce the risk of infective endocarditis.
Unless there is significant regurgitation affecting cardiac function, the vast majority of patients can have children.
As for whether exercise poses a risk, opinions vary.
If exercise triggers symptoms, consult your cardiologist to evaluate what types of exercise are appropriate.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2006/09/01

More Info

Experiencing heart palpitations during seemingly benign activities like shaving your calves can be perplexing and concerning. While it may seem unrelated, there are several potential explanations for this phenomenon, and understanding them can help alleviate your worries.

First, let's consider the physiological aspects. Shaving involves a degree of physical activity, even if it seems minimal. The act of bending down, stretching, or even the sensation of the razor against your skin can trigger a mild stress response in your body. This response can lead to an increase in heart rate and palpitations, especially if you are anxious about the process or if you have a heightened sensitivity to bodily sensations. Anxiety and stress can significantly affect heart rhythm, leading to palpitations.

Moreover, the skin on your calves is sensitive, and the act of shaving can stimulate nerve endings. This stimulation can sometimes be misinterpreted by your brain as a signal of distress, leading to an increased heart rate. If you have been experiencing anxiety or stress in other areas of your life, this could exacerbate the situation, making you more aware of your heart's rhythm during activities that wouldn't normally cause such a response.

Another factor to consider is the possibility of vasovagal responses. The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in regulating heart rate and blood pressure. Certain stimuli, such as pain or discomfort from shaving, can trigger a vasovagal response, leading to a temporary drop in heart rate followed by a compensatory increase, which may feel like palpitations.

Regarding your question about breathing difficulties, it is essential to note that anxiety can also lead to hyperventilation or a sensation of breathlessness. When you focus on your breathing, especially if you feel anxious, you may inadvertently alter your breathing pattern, leading to feelings of shortness of breath. This can be exacerbated by low atmospheric pressure, which can affect oxygen availability, especially if you are in a high-altitude area or if the weather changes suddenly.

If you have already consulted with a pulmonologist and received a clean bill of health, it is reassuring. However, if these symptoms persist or worsen, it may be beneficial to seek further evaluation from a cardiologist. They can perform tests such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) or Holter monitor to assess your heart's rhythm during episodes of palpitations.

In the meantime, consider implementing relaxation techniques to manage anxiety. Practices such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or yoga can help you become more attuned to your body and reduce the stress response that may be contributing to your symptoms. Additionally, ensuring that you are well-hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet can support overall cardiovascular health.

In summary, while it may seem unusual that shaving your calves triggers heart palpitations, it can be attributed to a combination of physical activity, anxiety, and potential nerve stimulation. If your symptoms continue or you have concerns about your heart health, do not hesitate to seek further medical advice. Understanding your body’s responses and managing stress can significantly improve your overall well-being.

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