The term heart palpitation refers to sensations that the heart is racing, pounding, beating irregularly or skipping beats. These sensations can be felt in the neck or chest and can occur as a symptom of heart disease or may not be related to any disease. If heart palpitations are present, the first step is to have the cause properly diagnosed. The remedies for heart palpitations caused by a medical condition may be different then the remedies for non-disease related symptoms.
Medication and Surgery
If heart palpitations are being caused by a heart condition, then medications or surgery may be required, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Seek medical treatment if any other symptoms that indicate a serious illness occur alongside the palpitations. These may include trouble breathing, sweating, dizziness, chest pain, confusion or fainting. In severe cases a pacemaker may need to be implanted to help the heart maintain a regular rhythm.
Manage Stress and Emotions
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, in most cases heart palpitations are not serious and can be controlled by taking steps to lower stress levels and managing strong emotions. The website claims that practicing deep breathing and/or relaxation techniques, yoga or tai chi can all help to reduce the frequency and severity of heart palpitations. Keeping a dairy of any emotions or situations occurring with the palpitations will help to point out triggers.
Avoid Diet and Medication Triggers
Certain substances in food, beverages and medications can all trigger palpitations, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Avoiding products that can stimulate the heart can help. These include caffeine, tobacco, alcohol and chocolate. In addition herbal remedies, cold medications, diet pills and illegal drugs can all make the heart race. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist about all prescription, over the counter, herbal, nutritional and diet products that are being used to see if heart palpitations are a common side effect.
Get Enough Rest
The University of Iowa website recommends establishing regular sleeping patterns as fatigue can lead to palpitations. Going to bed and getting up at the same time each day and performing calming activities such as reading or taking a hot bath before bed may help to encourage a restful nights sleep. In addition be mindful about the effects of strenuous exercise and cut back if needed. Exercise releases adrenaline and vigorous workouts can produce too much both during and after exercise which can cause palpitations.
Try Acupuncture
While much more research is needed it is possible that acupuncture may help to calm heart palpitations. The Dana Foundation website claims that many of the meridian points that are used in traditional Chinese medicine appear to be near nerve pathways, some of which control the electrical activity of the heart. Using acupuncture or acupressure on these points may help to influence the heart rate. Before trying acupressure make sure the practitioner is licensed and following guidelines set by the state they are practicing in.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Arrhythmia: Heart Palpitations
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Heart Palpitations
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: How Palpitations are Treated
- University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics: Heart Palpitations: Frequently Asked Questions
- The Dana Foundation: The Ancient Art of Acupuncture Meets Modern Cardiology
