Q. What are palpitations, and how are they related to heart disease?

Palpitations are those sensations when your heart seems to skip a beat, flutter, or race unexpectedly. They can feel like a brief flip-flop in your chest and might leave you wondering, "What's going on in there?" Well, let's dive into the world of palpitations and how they're connected to heart disease.

Palpitations Defined: Palpitations are essentially irregular heartbeats or abnormal rhythms in your heart's electrical system. They can make you aware of your heart's beating, which is something you usually don't pay much attention to.

Causes of Palpitations: Palpitations can be triggered by various factors. Some of the most common causes include:

1. Stress and Anxiety: High-stress levels or anxiety can stimulate your body's "fight or flight" response, leading to palpitations.

2. Caffeine and Nicotine: Too much caffeine from coffee, energy drinks, or nicotine from smoking can rev up your heart and cause palpitations.

3. Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can also disrupt your heart's rhythm and lead to palpitations.

4. Medications: Some medications, like certain asthma inhalers or decongestants, can have palpitations as a side effect.

5. Medical Conditions: Heart diseases, like arrhythmias, valve problems, or even coronary artery disease, can be underlying causes of palpitations.

The Heart Disease Connection: Palpitations can sometimes be a warning sign of underlying heart issues. For instance:

- Arrhythmias: These are abnormal heart rhythms that can cause palpitations. Conditions like atrial fibrillation (AFib) or ventricular tachycardia can lead to irregular heartbeats.

- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): CAD can reduce blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to palpitations and other symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath.

- Valve Problems: Issues with heart valves can disrupt the heart's normal flow of blood, potentially causing palpitations.

When to Seek Help: While palpitations can often be harmless, they can sometimes signal a more serious issue. It's essential to seek medical attention if:

- Palpitations are accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting.
- They are frequent, severe, or prolonged.
- You have a history of heart disease or risk factors like high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Conclusion: Palpitations can be unsettling, but they're not always a cause for alarm. In many cases, they're related to non-cardiac factors like stress or caffeine. However, when palpitations are persistent, severe, or associated with other concerning symptoms, they could be linked to underlying heart disease. It's always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause and ensure your heart stays in the best shape possible. Your ticker deserves some TLC!