Palpitation refers to a feeling that the heart is beating too fast or too hard, skipping a heart beat, or fluttering. It is usually felt in the neck, throat, and chest and for most people, they are bothersome or scary. While they are not usually usually serious or harmful and often go away on their own, they may be indicative of problems, such as in the cardiovascular system. The following are the causes, signs and symptoms, and home remedies for palpitation.
Causes
Palpitations have many causes. According to Web MD, these include strong emotions like stress, fear, and anxiety; vigorous physical activity; intake of substances like alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine, as well as illegal drugs like amphetamines and cocaine; medical conditions like fever, dehydration, low blood pressure, anemia, low blood sugar level, and thyroid disease; hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, and before menopause; medications like decongestants, diet pills, antiarrhythmics, and asthma inhalers; herbal and nutritional supplement intake, and abnormal electrolyte levels.
Signs and Symptoms
Palpitations presents several signs and symptoms. According to Mayo Clinic, these include skipping beats, fluttering, beating too fast, and pumping harder than usual. The beats can be felt in the throat r neck, in addition to the chest. As per the publication, they can also take place whether the person is active or at rest and either standing, sitting, or lying down. Also, it is vital to seek emergency medical attention if the heart palpitations are accompanied by symptoms like chest pain or discomfort, fainting, severe shortness of breath, and severe dizziness.
Home Remedies
Palpitations that are associated to a heart condition like arrythmias may be treated with cardiovascular medications like antiarryhtmics. Otherwise, the physician may also suggest ways to avoid the triggers to lead to the palpitations. Remedies can also be done at home to help manage the condition.
Deep Breathing
One remedy for palpitations is deep breathing. According to Top 10 Home Remedies, is is one of the best methods to cope with heart palpitations, since helps reduce anxiety and panic attack. To add, it helps the heart rate return to normal range (60 to 100 beats per minute in adults). Moreover, deep breathing helps the person relax the tensed muscle and increase oxygen supply to the brain and other vital organs like the heart and the lungs. To do deep breathing, as per the publication, the person sits comfortably in a cross-legged position. Next, he takes slow and deep breaths through his nose, allowing his stomach to expand with each inhalation. Then, he breathes out slowly through his mouth. The exercise is done for a few minutes until the heart rate decreases. Meditation and yoga can also be done to prevent the palpitation.
Valsalva Maneuver
Another remedy for palpitations is valsalva maneuver. According to Life off Beat, the vagus nerve is involved in heart palpitations; its stimulation affects the heart rate, which stops the palpitations and restores the heart beat to its normal rate. To perform the maneuver, as per the publication, the person holds his nose and closes his mouth while trying to breathe out with some force. Another way to do it is to make a fist and blow into it like one is blowing up a balloon. Doing it correctly helps relieve the palpitation.
Rest and Sleep
Rest and sleep also helps manage palpitations. According to Best Health Magazine, the person should spare 30 minutes each day to let the body relax and let the mind recharge. Also, he should get at least seven sleep hours every night. Lavender oil can also be used to help the body relax. The person just adds a few drops of the oil onto a handkerchief and inhales the aroma.
Palpitations are not usually harmful, but it may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. In line with this, it is best to seek medical consult from a physician or cardiologist for proper assessment, diagnosis, plan, intervention, health education,
