Heart palpitations are attributed to the subjective sensation that occurs when the normal rhythm of heart contractions is disturbed.
The cause of this symptom may be an increase in physical activity, stress, menopause, fever. Heart palpitations may accompany myocarditis, cardiosclerosis, endocarditis, myocardial dystrophy, heart defects, arterial hypertension, various endocrine diseases, as well as anemia, neurosis and vegetative-vascular dystonia.
As a rule, the symptom is combined with pain in the heart region, shortness of breath, increased anxiety. In some cases, there is tremor in the limbs, sweating, a feeling of lack of air, lightheadedness and so on.
For complaints of heart palpitations, an ECG and stress tests are prescribed to determine the exact nature of changes in heart rate. Visualization of the entire organ and its large vessels is performed using echocardiography.
The symptom is usually sudden, paroxysmal in nature. In some cases, a rapid heartbeat can reach significant intensity. This violation is characterized by an increase in tones and pulse.
As you know, in most cases the rhythm of contractions is in the range of sixty to eighty beats per minute. Thus, the full blood flow through the vessels is ensured. An increase in the need for more oxygen causes a heart palpitations. Treatment of this symptom in many cases is not prescribed. This is due to the fact that in most cases, rhythm disturbance occurs due to increased physical activity. So, for example, when running, the rhythm can increase to 130-150 beats. In this case, the increase occurs in proportion to the intensity of physical activity. Strengthening the rhythm can cause mental activity. In this case, the substance in the brain requires more oxygen and energy.
To a lesser extent, the regulation of the frequency of contractions of the heart is made consciously by the cerebral cortex. To a greater extent, regulation occurs subconsciously. The nervous autonomic system, in particular, its parasympathetic and sympathetic departments, is involved in this.
Signs of heart palpitations can occur when eating, having sex, or fever. In the latter case, as practice shows, the number of reductions can increase to eighty. At the same time, there is a proportionality to their increase after increasing the temperature to 37º.
Often a symptom is accompanied by low blood pressure, low hemoglobin, thyroid disease. In addition, the use of caffeine and alcohol affects the increase in the rhythm frequency. Often there is a pronounced picture of a rapid heartbeat with withdrawal symptoms (separation from drinking alcohol).
Many cases of symptom occurrence are normal increases in heart rate. As a rule, the specialist recommends taking sedatives.
However, in patients with cardiovascular diseases who have a rapid heartbeat, treatment is aimed at controlling the symptoms or at reducing the risk of adverse effects. As available treatment options, the patient is trained in simple methods of self-termination or prevention of pathological episodes. It is also possible the appointment of certain medications, the action of which is also aimed at stopping or preventing the reappearance of symptoms. In case of an increased risk of stroke, blood-thinning drugs may be prescribed.