Table of Contents
What does a fluttering heart mean?
This fleeting feeling like your heart is fluttering is a called a heart palpitation, and most of the time it’s not cause for concern. Heart palpitations can be caused by anxiety, dehydration, a hard workout or if you’ve consumed caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, or even some cold and cough medications.
Is it normal to feel your heart flutter?
Your heart may feel like it’s pounding, fluttering or beating irregularly, often for just a few seconds or minutes. You may also feel these sensations in your throat or neck. Palpitations may seem alarming, but in most cases they’re harmless and are not a sign of a serious problem.
Should I worry about my heart fluttering?
Stress, exercise, medication or, rarely, a medical condition can trigger them. Although heart palpitations can be worrisome, they’re usually harmless. In rare cases, they can be a symptom of a more serious heart condition, such as an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), that might require treatment.
How serious is a flutter?
Although atrial flutter is usually not life-threatening at first, it does limit how well your heart pumps blood. This can cause a clot to form in your heart. If the clot breaks loose, it could lead to a stroke. Over time, atrial flutter can weaken your heart muscle.
What do anxiety heart palpitations feel like?
One other common symptom of anxiety is an abnormally increased heart rate, also known as heart palpitations. Heart palpitations can feel like your heart is racing, pounding, or fluttering. You may also feel as though your heart is skipping a beat.
How do I stop my chest from fluttering?
The following methods can help to reduce palpitations.
- Perform relaxation techniques.
- Reduce or eliminate stimulant intake.
- Stimulate the vagus nerve.
- Keep electrolytes balanced.
- Keep hydrated.
- Avoid excessive alcohol use.
- Exercise regularly.
Can dehydration cause heart fluttering?
Can dehydration cause heart palpitations? Yes. For the same reason dehydration can cause low blood pressure, it can also cause heart palpitations. Palpitations are the feeling of a pounding, fast-beating or fluttering heart.
Is a flutter an emergency?
When to Seek Medical Care for Atrial Flutter If you’ve been diagnosed and are being treated for atrial flutter, go immediately to a hospital emergency department if you: Have severe chest pain. Feel faint or lightheaded. Faint.
What are the main causes of palpitations?
Causes
- Strong emotions like anxiety, fear, or stress.
- Vigorous physical activity.
- Caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, or illegal drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines.
- Medical conditions, including thyroid disease, a low blood sugar level, anemia, low blood pressure, fever, and dehydration.
What foods cause heart palpitations?
Foods that can cause heart palpitations
- Caffeinated food and drinks.
- Sugar. Sugar can cause palpitations after eating, especially if you have hypoglycemia.
- Alcohol. Alcohol can also cause heart palpitations.
- Tyramine-rich food.
- Theobromine-rich food.
- Dietary supplements.
- Acid reflux.
- Hormonal changes.