Causes of Palpitations

Causes of Palpitations

There are a variety of causes that can result in disturbance in the rhythm of the heart; which manifest as palpitation. Some cause it temporarily and some permanently. Knowing its cause is important in deciding if the palpitations need treatment. Sometimes stopping a drug or changing it to another one can relieve one of the palpitations.


Heart related

1. Coronary artery disease
2. Valvular Heart disease, e.g. Mitral Valve Prolapse
3. Heart attack
4. Heart failure
5. Cardiomyopathy (Disease of the heart muscles)
6. Pericarditis (inflammation of the heart's outer layer)

Hormone related

1. Hyperthyroidism -Over production of thyroid hormone is a common cause for palpitations.
2. Dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA], a natural steroid hormone. When taken as a supplement is known to produce palpitations as a side effect.
3. Perimenopause - Progesterone hormone levels, which have a calming effect, are low in these women.
4. Pregnenolone
5. Low sugar levels [Hypoglycemia]

Medication or Chemical related

1. Thyroid medications
2. Certain medications used to treat irregular heartbeats
3. Herbs such as ephedra, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, guarana, etc. in high doses can alter heart rhythm.
4. Amphetamine
5. Pseudoephedirine or some cold related medications
6. Illegal drugs like Marijuana or cocaine in excess.
7. Certain Diet Pills
8. Excess Alcohol
9. Excess Caffeine [Tea, coffee, chocolate, soft drinks with caffeine like coke, pepsi or mountain dew]
10. Amino acids, Phenylalanine and Tyrosine in high doses.

Other reasons

1. Dehydration
2. Stress
3. Low blood oxygen
4. Asthma
5. High fever
6. Anemia
7. Pregnancy
8. Hypertension [High blood pressure]
9. Anxiety or fear
10. Athletes - Because their hearts are well toned, their heart rate is usually lower than normal.

References:

1. Ventricular tachycardia - (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000187.htm)
2. A Study of Caffeine Consumption and Symptoms: Indigestion, Palpitations, Tremor, Headache and Insomnia - (http://ije.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/14/2/239)
3. Incidence of arrhythmias in normal pregnancy and relation to palpitations, dizziness, and syncope - (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve& db=PubMed&list_uids=9114764&dopt=AbstractPlus)

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