Most heart palpitations are not life threatening, but you should know the clues that could mean you are having a heart attack. How to know when heart palpitations are a sign of a heart attack Most of the time, though, heart attacks are caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries supplying the heart muscle. Palpitations can technically lead to a heart attack if the heart is racing so fast and for so long that the heart isn’t able to pump properly and becomes starved of blood and oxygen. Can heart palpitations lead to a heart attack? We may receive compensation when a user decides to leverage these services, but making them available does not influence the medical content our editorial staff provides. We also provide access to services offered by GoodRx and our partners when we think these services might be useful to our visitors. See our editorial policy for more detail. GoodRx Health information and resources is reviewed by our editorial staff with medical and healthcare policy and pricing experience. They are generally not dangerous, though they can be treated with heart medications like beta blockers if they are bothersome. Most people experience occasional extra beats, called premature ventricular contractions or premature atrial contractions, without even noticing them. Sometimes people describe palpitations as an extra heartbeat. Hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid gland Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a type of genetic disease that causes thickening of the heart muscle Medications can cause palpitations as well - common examples are albuterol, a treatment for asthma, and pseudoephedrine, a decongestant.īut there are also more serious causes of heart palpitations:Īn irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), such as atrial fibrillation It’s also normal to have a faster heart rate if you’re exercising, pregnant, or going through menopause.Ĭaffeine, alcohol, smoking, and using recreational drugs can all cause palpitations, too. Sometimes, palpitations are a normal response to a situation, such as jitters, fear, and panic or anxiety attacks. Many situations, medical conditions, and triggers can cause palpitations. Palpitations occur when our heart rate becomes abnormal enough for us to notice it. Our heart rate is not something most of us are aware of. They can come on at any time, whatever you’re doing. Mostly, heart palpitations come on out of the blue, last a few seconds or minutes, and then pass. Palpitations are commonly felt in the chest, but it’s also possible to feel your heart pounding in your throat, neck, or even your ear. Some people describe them as a flutter, while others may describe the feeling of a racing or pounding heartbeat. Palpitations are an awareness of your heart beating. Here, we’ll try to tease out the differences between the two conditions, where they overlap, and when to see medical attention. Where it gets murky is when chest discomfort and palpitations occur together and with other worrying symptoms. Palpitations on their own are often not serious. A heart attack can cause discomfort in the chest, but it doesn’t usually cause palpitations. If you get a sudden discomfort in your chest, you might be left wondering - and worrying - if you could be having an emergency with your heart.
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