If you feel that your heart has started to work somehow strangely, you may worry, deciding that something bad is happening to you. Most likely, you are experiencing the so-called "palpitation" - that is, the unpleasant feeling of an abnormal heartbeat.
Palpitation means any deviation from the usual rhythm: acceleration, arrhythmia, heavy pounding in the chest.
In other words, if you suddenly noticed a heartbeat, you probably have palpitations.
Do you have any reason to worry?
The answer depends on a number of factors. Palpitations rarely herald cardiac arrest or cardiac arrest. But in rare cases it is best not to exclude this option.
To begin with, we will dwell on the causes of palpitations
Our heart beats in response to electrical signals it receives from a cluster of cells called the sinus node (CA node). The nodule is located in the right atrium. If the CA-node starts sending out uncoordinated electrical signals, heart palpitations occur.
These impulses can be affected by anything that increases the level of adrenaline in the body. These are factors such as stress, panic attacks, caffeine, SARS, lack of sleep and taking stimulant drugs. There are receptors in the heart that respond to elevated levels of adrenaline.
Also, physical activity or pregnancy can cause palpitations. This is a completely normal and safe condition.
Sometimes, however, palpitations can indicate the presence of a more serious problem
For example, the heartbeat can be disrupted by arrhythmias - a short circuit in the heart's electrical system. Arrhythmias can cause palpitations accompanied by weakness, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath and chest pain.
Arrhythmias are not always dangerous and can be treated, but sometimes they can be life-threatening. Therefore, if palpitations are accompanied by any of the above symptoms, you should consult a doctor.
Palpitation can also indicate a malfunction in some other organ - for example, the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland produces the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which affect many systems in the body. If you have hyperthyroidism (that is, your thyroid gland is overactive), excess thyroxine will speed up your metabolism, which can lead to an irregular heartbeat, as well as increased appetite and sudden weight loss.
Finally, palpitations can be caused by a physical abnormality - for example, when the heart is weaker or larger than normal. In this case, there is no way to know about the presence of such a problem without having a specific physical examination.
Short Reminder
• If the palpitations occur too often or accompany a certain activity all the time, it is better to see a doctor
• If the palpitations are accompanied by other symptoms - dizziness, weakness, discomfort or pain in the chest, etc., be sure to consult a doctor
• Also report your personal history. A he althy 30-year-old person has less cause for concern than a 60-year-old patient with cardiovascular disease
But even when the palpitations do not appear regularly and are not accompanied by other symptoms, and you are in good he alth, nothing prevents you from going to the doctor if it worries you. After all, there is definitely no harm in a physical examination. It's better to check your heart and not panic every time it starts jumping in your chest.
