Heart palpitations are defined by MayoClinic.com as rapid, fluttering or pounding heartbeats. During a heart palpitation, the heart is beating abnormally, but adequate amounts of blood are still being pumped effectively. Although the abnormal sensations may feel like a medical emergency, heart palpitations do not always indicate the presence of an underlying condition.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are common responses to situations that are interpreted as threatening or dangerous. Stress is a physical body response that in normal instances can protect and motivate. Excessive or prolonged stress can have a variety of severe physical and emotional symptoms that can be harmful to health. Anxiety is feelings of nervousness, fear and uneasiness that may occur in threatening situations or possibly with no trigger at all. The feelings of fear that are characteristic of anxiety are also accompanied by a number of physical symptoms as well. Physical symptoms of anxiety and stress include heart palpitations, dizziness, dry mouth, headaches, muscle tension, rapid breathing, increased sweating and trembling. According to Medline Plus, the most effective way to treat stress and anxiety is to identify the trigger and eliminate it. This may require behavioral therapy and counseling as well as lifestyle changes such as limiting caffeine and alcohol, increasing exercise and following a healthy diet plan.
Mitral Valve Prolapse
The mitral valve is the heart valve located between the left atrium and the left ventricle of the heart. In healthy individuals, the mitral valve closes after the heart contracts to prevent backflow of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium. In those with mitral valve prolapse, the mitral valve does not close properly after contraction, which allows the blood to flow backward. Most cases of mitral valve prolapsed are a result of genetics. According to MayoClinic.com, not everyone with mitral valve prolapsed experiences symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they include heart palpitations, dizziness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, fatigue and chest pain. Most people with mitral valve prolapse do not require treatment. Those who require treatment may benefit from blood thinners and beta blockers. Severe cases may require surgery to repair the faulty valve.
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of arrhythmia, or irregular heart beat. Atrial fibrillation occurs as a result of abnormal electrical signals in the heart that cause the heart chambers, called the atria, to contract too quickly and irregularly. When the atria do not contract normally, the blood cannot reach the ventricles and accumulates in the atria instead. Atrial fibrillation usually occurs as a result of other heart diseases, such as coronary artery disease or high blood pressure, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Symptoms of atrial fibrillation include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, weakness, chest pain, dizziness, fatigue and confusion. Treatment for most cases of atrial fibrillation consists of medications and lifestyle changes. Those with severe atrial fibrillation may need surgery or a permanent pacemaker to correct the heart's electrical system.
