Heart palpitations are a common phenomenon in which it feels as though the heart is beating too rapidly, skipping beats or fluttering. Palpitations are usually harmless and do not have a serious underlying medical cause. In rare cases where palpitations are caused by problems with the thyroid gland or the heart itself, a physician may recommend the use of certain drugs or surgical options.
Avoid Stress, Caffeine and Drugs
In the majority of cases, heart palpitations are harmless, though annoying and worrisome. Most individuals who experience heart palpitations do not have an underlying medical condition. In these instances a physician will typically recommend that certain lifestyle factors be avoided. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, limiting caffeine and nicotine can significantly reduce heart palpitations. Reducing stress through exercise and meditation techniques can also help prevent heart palpitations. Other stimulants such as those found in diet and cold medicines should also be avoided as they can increase heart rate and bring on palpitations. Street drugs such as speed, marijuana and cocaine may also bring on palpitations.
Treatment of Arrhythmia
In rare cases, heart palpitations may be caused by heart arrhythmias, a potentially serious condition in which the heart beats too fast, too slow or with an irregular rhythm. Arrhythmias occur when electrical signals in the heart are not properly coordinated. Often times, normal electrical signals can be restored with certain drugs such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and potassium channel blockers. The Cleveland Clinic describes many surgical interventions that are used to treat arrhythmias, including the implantation of a pacemaker or defibrillator. Pacemakers can monitor heart rhythms and speed up or slow down the heart as arrhythmias occur. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators also monitor heart rate and can prevent the heart from beating too fast in instances of racing heart rate or tachycardia.
Treatment of Hyperthyroidism
Heart palpitations can be caused by an underlying condition of the thyroid gland. When the thyroid gland becomes too active, it may produce too much thyroid hormone and increase metabolism, which may cause a rapidly pounding heart. MayoClinic.com explains that hyperthyroidism is usually treated with anti-thyroid drugs that slow down the production of thyroid hormones to slow metabolism. In cases where hyperthyroidism is the result of a large thyroid gland, a part of the gland may be surgically removed to reduce its overall size and ability to produce hormones.
