Recurring Palpitations: Causes, Risks, and Management

Side effects of recurrent palpitations?

Hello, doctor.
I used to exercise regularly, but over the past three years, I've been less consistent.
I snore while sleeping.
About ten months ago, I first experienced noticeable irregular heart palpitations (which I had rarely felt before).
At that time, I was under a lot of stress, and I was not drinking enough water or exercising.
I consulted a cardiologist, who said that I am still young and probably do not have any serious heart condition, just palpitations.
He only took a simple blood pressure measurement and prescribed medication (to take if needed), but I didn't take the medication, and it resolved on its own.
About six months later, I experienced a recurrence during another stressful period, again with insufficient water intake and exercise.
Each episode lasted about 2 to 4 days and resolved on its own.
Recently, it recurred again, but this time I felt less stressed, and the symptoms were milder.

Additionally, I'm not sure if it relates to the palpitations, but I often feel gassy (bloating).
I had a hernia since childhood and underwent surgery at around 22 years old, but I still experience bloating and a feeling of pressure in my abdomen.
In the past few episodes, I felt like there was a lot of gas in my chest, sometimes on the left side and occasionally on the right.
The strange sensation in my chest seems to be more related to the outer chest muscles.
When I was about 18 years old, I had a chest X-ray, and the doctor mentioned that there appeared to be a lot of haziness, but there were no significant issues.
In other X-rays, I was also noted to have a lot of gas in my abdomen, but again, no major problems were identified.
1.
Do I need to see a doctor for further examination?
2.
Since I haven't had a health check-up in the past two years, what tests (such as cholesterol, etc.) should I undergo to determine if my palpitations require further attention or if I can be reassured that they don't?
3.
If palpitations occur frequently, can there be other side effects?
4.
How long can palpitations occur continuously before causing harm to the body? (Typically, when I experience palpitations, they do not happen every second; the most severe was about once every 20 seconds, while this time it has been lighter, occurring about once every few hours.)
5.
If I am not experiencing palpitations, can I swim or engage in more vigorous exercise?
6.
If I am experiencing palpitations, can I swim or engage in more vigorous exercise?
7.
I have noticed that since my first episode of palpitations, they seem to recur more easily.
Does this indicate that there may be an underlying issue with my body?
8.
Do I need to impose any specific dietary restrictions? Thank you!

CH, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/12/29

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology

Hello, basically palpitations are not a disease; the sensation of feeling your heartbeat is called palpitations.
3.
If palpitations occur frequently, will there be other side effects? No.
4.
How long do palpitations need to occur continuously to cause harm to the body? (Usually when I experience palpitations, they do not happen every second; at most, they occur once every 20 seconds during severe episodes, while this time it feels lighter...
perhaps once every few hours.) Harmless.
5.
If I am not experiencing palpitations, can I swim or engage in more intense exercise? Yes.
6.
If I am experiencing palpitations, can I swim or engage in more intense exercise? Yes.
It sounds like you may have a condition of autonomic nervous system imbalance.
It is difficult to say whether there is associated paroxysmal arrhythmia.
I recommend consulting a cardiologist for further examination.
A 24-hour Holter monitor can be performed; if it is stable, there is no harm.
In fact, any changes in internal or external environments can trigger palpitations, such as stress, lack of sleep, anger, or changes in weather.
It is advisable to reduce the intake of stimulating foods.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2009/12/29

More Info

Understanding recurring palpitations can be a complex issue, as it involves various physiological and psychological factors. Based on your description, it seems that you have experienced episodes of palpitations, which are often characterized by an awareness of your heartbeat that may feel rapid, fluttering, or pounding. These episodes can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, dehydration, lack of exercise, and possibly underlying health conditions.

1. Need for Further Medical Evaluation
Given your history of palpitations, especially since they have recurred multiple times over the past year, it would be prudent to seek further medical evaluation. While your cardiologist previously assessed you and deemed it not to be a significant heart condition, a comprehensive evaluation may include an electrocardiogram (ECG), a Holter monitor (24-hour ECG), and possibly an echocardiogram to assess heart structure and function. This is particularly important if your symptoms have changed or worsened.

2. Recommended Health Screenings
Since you mentioned not having had a health check-up in two years, it would be wise to undergo a general health screening. Key tests to consider include:
- Lipid Profile: To check cholesterol levels, which can influence cardiovascular health.

- Blood Pressure Measurement: To ensure it is within a normal range.

- Blood Glucose Levels: To rule out diabetes, especially given your history of weight fluctuations and lifestyle changes.

- Thyroid Function Tests: As thyroid disorders can also lead to palpitations.

- Electrolyte Panel: To check for imbalances that might affect heart rhythm.

3. Potential Side Effects of Frequent Palpitations
Frequent palpitations can lead to anxiety and stress, which may exacerbate the sensation of palpitations. In some cases, if palpitations are due to an underlying heart condition, they could potentially lead to more serious issues, such as arrhythmias or heart failure. However, if your palpitations are benign, they may not cause direct harm but could still affect your quality of life.

4. Duration and Impact of Palpitations
The duration and frequency of palpitations can vary widely among individuals. If palpitations occur frequently (e.g., several times a day) or last for extended periods, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Generally, if palpitations are infrequent and resolve quickly, they are less likely to cause harm. However, persistent or worsening symptoms warrant further investigation.

5. Exercise Considerations
If you are not experiencing palpitations, engaging in swimming or more vigorous exercise is generally safe and can be beneficial for cardiovascular health. Regular exercise can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. However, if you experience palpitations during exercise, it is essential to stop and rest.

6. Exercise During Palpitations
During an episode of palpitations, it is advisable to avoid strenuous activities, including swimming or intense workouts. Instead, focus on calming techniques such as deep breathing or resting until the episode subsides.

7. Recurrence of Palpitations
The recurrence of palpitations may indicate an underlying issue, such as increased stress, anxiety, or even a physiological change in your body. It is essential to monitor your symptoms and discuss them with your healthcare provider to determine if further investigation is needed.

8. Dietary Considerations
While there is no one-size-fits-all dietary restriction for palpitations, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support overall health. Limiting caffeine, alcohol, and high-sugar foods may also help reduce the frequency of palpitations, especially if you notice a correlation between your diet and your symptoms.

In conclusion, while your palpitations may not indicate a severe condition, it is essential to take them seriously and consult with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. Regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can significantly contribute to your overall well-being and help manage your symptoms effectively.

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