Heart Palpitations

Common causes of heart palpitations include:

• Stress, anxiety, and/or panic attacks - Stress and anxiety can cause the release of hormones like adrenaline that increase heart rate and blood flow. A sudden change in heart rate can result in heart palpitations.
• Vigorous physical activity - When the body is undergoing strenuous physical activity, heart rate will increase to pump more oxygen-rich blood to the muscles. This replenishes the oxygen used during exercise, but the increase in heart rate can result in palpitations.
• Use of stimulants - Stimulants (including caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, and amphetamines) can constrict blood vessels, which increases blood pressure and results in an elevated heart rate, possibly resulting in palpitations
• Certain medications - Some cold and cough medicines contain pseudoephedrine, which acts as a stimulant and therefore has the same effects mentioned above. Certain prescription drugs, including asthma inhalers containing albuterol, can cause heart palpitations.
• Nutritional supplements - Certain dietary supplements such as bitter orange, ephedra, ginseng, hawthorn, and valerian can cause an irregular heartbeat or an increase in heart rate, possibly resulting in heart palpitations
• Specific types of food - Foods high in caffeine, such as chocolate and coffee, as well as foods high in sugar and carbohydrates, cause blood pressure to increase and could result in heart palpitations. The same effect can be caused by foods high in tyramine, such as salami, aged cheeses, sauerkraut, and soy sauce.
• Abnormal electrolyte levels - Electrolytes are minerals such as sodium, potassium, and calcium that help us maintain proper hydration levels. An imbalance of electrolytes can result in dehydration which can cause rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, or low blood pressure. Such changes can cause palpitations. A balanced diet of salt, sugar, and water will help maintain normal electrolyte levels.
• Fever - When illness causes fever, the body increases circulation and energy usage to fight infection. This increases heart and breathing rates, which can result in palpitations.
• Medical conditions – Some conditions that affect blood pressure and heart rate can cause palpitations. Examples of such conditions include iron-deficiency anemia, arrhythmias (having an irregular heart rhythm), and irregular thyroid hormone levels (producing too much or too little thyroid hormone).
• Hormonal changes - Changes in estrogen levels during menstruation, menopause, or pregnancy can result in changes in blood flow and heart rate, possibly causing palpitations
• Lack of sleep - Poor sleeping habits and/or waking up abruptly can cause a spike in heart rate, possibly resulting in palpitations
• Pregnancy - Pregnancy can cause bodily changes that result in heart palpitations

Heart palpitations and pregnancy

During pregnancy, the amount of blood in the body increases by about 50%, and the heart must work harder to pump blood around the mother’s body and the baby. Since the heart is working harder, it’s common for heart palpitations to occur.

As babies grow, they will need even more blood to provide them with their necessary nutrients. Heart palpitations are particularly common during the third trimester (when babies are at their largest).

Palpitations during pregnancy are usually harmless and will often stop after childbirth. Though they typically don’t require treatment, a doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to help alleviate heart palpitations in pregnant people. These changes may include stress-relieving techniques, drinking more water, and limiting caffeine, sugar, or fat intake.

If a heart condition is the cause of the palpitations, then additional treatment may be recommended. If you’re pregnant, seek immediate medical help if heart palpitations are accompanied by chest pain, dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

Learn more about bodily changes during pregnancy