Arrhythmias while running can be an alarming experience. In most cases, an irregular heart rate while running is associated with harmless heart palpitations. Always consult with your doctor if you're experiencing heartbeat irregularity to rule out any harmful life-threatening conditions.
Identification
Heart arrhythmias cause the heart to beat too quickly, too slowly or irregularly. The heart may feel like its fluttering or racing. In more serious cases, you will have shortness of breath, chest discomfort, dizziness, lightheadedness and possibly fainting. Heart palpitations, which are most likely the cause while running, will cause a sensation of your heart pounding and racing. In some cases, you can actually see your heart beating harder through your chest. Your heart may have a flip-flopping sensation or feel like you're skipping heartbeats. You may also feel heart palpitations in your neck and head.
Cause
Heart arrhythmias are caused by electrical impulses in the heart not coordinating your heartbeats properly. If the more significant symptoms are present, seek emergency medical care because rapid and unpredictable electrical pulses can cause a person to lose their pulse in a matter of seconds. Coronary heart disease, heart tissue scars, stress and smoking are only a few potential causes of heart arrhythmias. Running is a vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, so it can cause heart palpitations. Caffeine, nicotine, stimulants and stress can also cause heart palpitations and your palpitations may be more noticeable if any of these factors are combined with running. The anxiety you experience from heart palpitations can worsen the sensation.
Treatment
Your doctor will need to determine if you're experiencing arrhythmia or having heart palpitations through an EKG, stress test and blood test. This will help your doctor determine if lifestyle changes are necessary or if treatment is required. Treatment for a faster heartbeat than normal may be as simple as holding your breath, dunking your face in ice water or coughing. Anti-arrhythmic medications can slow down your heart, but will not cure the problem. In more severe cases, surgery may be needed to implant a pacemaker to control your heartbeats, especially if the heart beats too slowly. If an underlying condition causes the problem, this will need to be treated. Heart palpitations usually require no treatment, but if they are bothersome, there's the option of a pacemaker or medication.
Prevention
To prevent arrhythmia, continue to run and get regular physical activity. You may consider jogging instead since it's less intense and will not make as significant of a change in your pulse. Making healthy changes in your diet can also help. Your diet should mainly consist of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy. To prevent arrhythmias and heart palpitations, reduce your caffeine and alcohol intake, manage your stress, avoid stimulants and stop smoking. Controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol can also help control these conditions.
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